thermal energy

American  

[thur-muhl en-er-jee] / ˈθɜr məl ˈɛn ər dʒi /

noun

Physics.

1. the energy of a body or system that is directly related to its temperature.

   In a steam turbine, the thermal energy of the water vapor transforms into the mechanical power of the turbine.

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Etymology

Origin of thermal energy

First recorded in 1850–55

Example Sentences

"This challenge was a wake-up call. Now we have woken up," he added, promising more solar and thermal energy projects.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

While most microreactors can output up to 20 megawatts in order to reach that number, NANO’s models emphasize the micro — with output capped at about 5 megawatts of thermal energy for conversion to electric.

From Salon • Jun. 2, 2024

Besides the unusual electrical noise, rhodopsin is known to produce another type of electrical activity called spontaneous thermal isomerization, in which the thermal energy inside the rhodopsin molecule triggers rhodopsin to activate at random.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2024

If your cell phone, for instance, landed on Venus, the thermal energy would set off a flurry of electrons and send your device on the fritz.

From Scientific American • Oct. 23, 2023

But Dad’s main interest was energy: thermal energy, nuclear energy, solar energy, electrical energy, and energy from the wind.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls