degradation of energy

American  

noun

Thermodynamics.

1. the principle that during any irreversible process the total energy available to do work decreases.

---

Example Sentences

Any real process, and certainly such a process as the uplift and erosion of the Earth, is operating against friction, with overall irreversible degradation of energy into heat, and this is something that cannot continue on its own indefinitely.

From Scientific American

In every operation which takes place in nature there is a degradation of energy, and though some portion of the energy may be raised in availability, another portion is lowered, so that on the whole the availability is diminished.

From Project Gutenberg

There is indeed a constant tendency towards the degradation of energy, and a constant equalizing process which may bring to an end the present order of things in the universe.

From Project Gutenberg

Is he physically capable of completing what amounts to three back-to-back marathons: running the Senate, running for President and then completing four and possibly eight years as Commander in Chief without a noticeable degradation of energy, mental acuity or temperament?

From Time Magazine Archive

The pessimist is not concerned over the so-called yellow peril—at least the pessimist who subscribes to the theory of the degradation of energy.

From Project Gutenberg