zero-point energy

[zeer-oh-point]

noun

Physics.

1. energy in a substance at the temperature of absolute zero.

zero-point energy

1. The irreducible minimum energy possessed by a physical system, as of a substance at a temperature of absolute zero. The zero point energy of a vacuum is not zero due to vacuum fluctuations.

2. See Note at absolute zero

Word History and Origins

Origin of zero-point energy¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

But the vacuum of the first few moments is a false vacuum; its zero-point energy is unnaturally large.

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It is unlikely that his device to harness the zero-point energy will be any different.

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According to this theory of inflation, it is the nonzero zero-point energy that created the stars and galaxies.

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This is the zero-point energy, an infinity in the formulas of quantum theory.

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Interpreted strictly, the zero-point energy is limitless.

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