diffusivity

[ dif-yoo-siv-i-tee ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the property of a substance indicative of the rate at which a thermal disturbance, as a rise in temperature, will be transmitted through the substance.

diffusivity

/ ˌdɪfjuːˈsɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. a measure of the ability of a substance to transmit a difference in temperature; expressed as the thermal conductivity divided by the product of specific heat capacity and density
2. physics
   1. the ability of a substance to permit or undergo diffusion
   2. another name for diffusion coefficient
3. See diffusion
   another name for diffusion

Word History and Origins

Origin of diffusivity¹

First recorded in 1875–80; diffusive + -ity

Example Sentences

Its weak links are the unverified assumptions of an initial uniform temperature and a constant diffusivity.

From Project Gutenberg

Taking a foot as the unit of length, and a year as the unit of time, we find the diffusivity of the surface strata to be 400.

From Project Gutenberg