relative density

American  

noun

Physics.

1. specific gravity.

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relative density British  

noun

1.  d.  the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a standard substance under specified conditions. For liquids and solids the standard is usually water at 4°C or some other specified temperature. For gases the standard is often air or hydrogen at the same temperature and pressure as the substance See also specific gravity vapour density

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relative density Scientific  

1. The ratio of the density of one substance to that of a reference substance, typically water.

2. See more at specific gravity

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Etymology

Origin of relative density

First recorded in 1875–80;

Example Sentences

The dollar’s appeal stems from the United States’ relative energy independence, reducing sensitivity to oil price disruptions.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

The dollar’s appeal stems from the United States’ relative energy independence, reducing sensitivity to oil price disruptions.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

Another simple hold from Berrettini, and the relative energy, physical and emotional, that he’s expending for it versus that he’s demanding Carreno Busta expend, must be exerting a physical and emotional toll.

From The Guardian • Jan. 23, 2022

The relative energy in trophic levels in a Silver Springs, Florida, ecosystem is shown.

From Textbooks • Sep. 6, 2018

Each day counted as a measure of relative energy on the historical scale, and the whole story made a Grammar of new Science quite as instructive as that of Pearson.

From The Education of Henry Adams by Adams, Henry