working substance

American  

noun

1. a substance, usually a fluid, that undergoes changes in pressure, temperature, volume, or form as part of a process for accomplishing work.

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working substance British  

noun

1. the fluid, esp water, steam, or compressed air, that operates an engine, refrigerator, etc

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Etymology

Origin of working substance

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

A calcium ion held in a tapered trap is used as the working substance of a tiny thermodynamic engine.

From Science Magazine

A calcium ion held in a tapered trap is used as the working substance of a tiny thermodynamic engine.

From Science Magazine

Having established the general notions of a perfect cycle, he proceeds to give a more exact illustration, employing a gas as the working substance.

From Project Gutenberg

The air has served as working substance in a heat-engine; it has also been employed in the most advantageous manner possible, since no useless re-establishment of the equilibrium of heat has been allowed to occur.

From Project Gutenberg

Carnot points out that in order to obtain an answer to this question, it is necessary to consider the essential conditions of the process, apart from the mechanism of the engine and the working substance or agent employed.

From Project Gutenberg