specific gravity

[ spi-sif-ik grav-i-tee ]

nounPhysics.

the ratio of the density of any substance to the density of some other substance taken as standard, water being the standard for liquids and solids, and hydrogen or air being the standard for gases.

Origin of specific gravity

First recorded in 1660–70; the variant relative density was first recorded in 1875–80

Also called rel·a·tive den·si·ty [rel-uh-tiv den-si-tee] /ˈrɛl ə tɪv ˈdɛn sɪ ti/ .

Words Nearby specific gravity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use specific gravity in a sentence

That’s why her closest relationship is with Briar, who loves her with a deep and specific gravity.
The smart political argument behind the satire Such a Fun Age | Constance Grady | November 19, 2021 | Vox
The specific gravity is most conveniently estimated by means of the urinometer—Squibb's is preferable (Fig. 14).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
One frequently wishes to ascertain the specific gravity of quantities of fluid too small to float an urinometer.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
The specific gravity method is very useful when special instruments are not at hand.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd
The specific gravity is the relative weight of a body compared to an equal bulk of some other body taken as a standard.
Assimilative Memory | Marcus Dwight Larrowe (AKA Prof. A. Loisette)

With normal specific gravity the proteid is high when the fat is high, and vice vers.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell Todd

British Dictionary definitions for specific gravity

specific gravity

noun

the ratio of the density of a substance to that of water: See relative density

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

Scientific definitions for specific gravity

specific gravity

[ spĭ-sĭf′ĭk ]

The relative density of a solid or liquid, usually when measured at a temperature of 20°C, compared with the maximum density of water (at 4°C). For example, the specific gravity of carbon steel is 7.8, that of lead is 11.34, and that of pure gold is 19.32.

Cultural definitions for specific gravity

specific gravity

The mass of a substance, given as a multiple of the mass of the same volume of a standard substance (usually water). The specific gravity of aluminum is 2.70; hence, a cubic foot of aluminum weighs 2.70 times as much as a cubic foot of water.

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