thermoelectric
Americanadjective
adjective
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of, relating to, used in, or operated by the generation of an electromotive force by the Seebeck effect or the Thomson effect
a thermoelectric thermometer
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of, relating to, used in, or operated by the production or absorption of heat by the Peltier effect
a thermoelectric cooler
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Relating to electric potential or power produced by heat, or to heat produced by electric energy. The thermoelectric energy of a nuclear power plant is produced by the heat generated from nuclear fission. The thermoelectric properties of materials such as selenium and semiconductors are exploited in devices such as thermistors and thermocouples used in temperature gauges.
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See also Seebeck effect
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of thermoelectric
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.
Voyager 2 and its twin, Voyager 1, rely on radioisotope thermoelectric generators, which produce electricity from heat released by decaying plutonium.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 10, 2026
Most of the thermoelectric plants were 25 to 35 years old, Mr. Mesa-Lago wrote, and sourcing parts was “extremely difficult.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026
The country has suffered seven nationwide blackouts since 2024 -- two of them this past week -- due to aging thermoelectric plants and oil shortages.
From Barron's ● Mar. 24, 2026
But thermoelectric devices can be easily switched on off.
From BBC ● May 19, 2025
Very interesting experiments may thus be performed, and these may lead to the solving of the great thermoelectric problem.
From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.
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