geopotential

American  

[jee-oh-puh-ten-shuhl] / ˌdʒi oʊ pəˈtɛn ʃəl /

noun

Physics.

1. the difference between the potential energy of a mass at a given altitude and the potential energy of an identical mass at sea level, equivalent to the energy required to move the mass from sea level to the given altitude.

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Etymology

Origin of geopotential

First recorded in 1910–15; geo- + potential

Example Sentences

“And so we have to go from talking about ‘500 millibar geopotential heights’ that a really small audience appreciates and understands, to something that captures the essence of the event.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2024