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Kelvin scale

noun

  1. a thermodynamic temperature scale based upon the efficiencies of ideal heat engines. The zero of the scale is absolute zero. Originally the degree was equal to that on the Celsius scale but it is now defined so that the triple point of water is exactly 273.16 kelvins. The International Practical Temperature Scale (1968, revised 1990) realizes the Kelvin scale over a wide range of temperatures Compare Rankine scale

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


Kelvin scale

  1. A scale of temperature beginning at absolute zero (−273.15°C or −459.67°F). Each degree, or kelvin, represents the same temperature increment as one degree on the Celsius scale. On the Kelvin scale water freezes at 273.15 K and boils at 373.15 K.

Kelvin scale

  1. The standard temperature scale in scientific work, proposed by Lord Kelvin. A degree on the Kelvin scale is the same size as a degree on the Celsius scale, but the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero instead of at the freezing point of water. Thus, on the Kelvin scale, absolute zero is zero degrees, ice melts at about 273 degrees, and water boils at about 373 degrees.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Temperature measured on the Kelvin scale determines an LED’s color tone.

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In the Kelvin scale, zero degrees is absolute zero.

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“Incandescent lighting is on the warmer side of the Kelvin scale — 2700-3000 Kelvin.”

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“Incandescent lighting is on the warmer side of the Kelvin scale - 2700-3000 Kelvin.”

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While Fahrenheit and Celsius temperatures are measured in degrees, temperatures on the Kelvin scale are not.

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