joule

[ jool, joul ]
/ dʒul, dʒaʊl /

noun Physics.

the standard unit of work or energy in the International System of Units(SI), equal to the work done by a force of one newton when its point of application moves through a distance of one meter in the direction of the force: equivalent to 107 ergs and one watt-second. Abbreviation: J, j
Also called newton-meter.

Origin of joule

First recorded in 1885–90; named after J. P. Joule

Definition for joule (2 of 2)

Joule
[ jool, joul ]
/ dʒul, dʒaʊl /

noun

James Prescott,1818–89, English physicist.

Example sentences from the Web for joule

British Dictionary definitions for joule (1 of 2)

joule
/ (dʒuːl) /

noun

the derived SI unit of work or energy; the work done when the point of application of a force of 1 newton is displaced through a distance of 1 metre in the direction of the force. 1 joule is equivalent to 1 watt-second, 10 7 ergs, 0.2390 calories, or 0.738 foot-pound Symbol: J

Word Origin for joule

C19: named after James Prescott Joule

British Dictionary definitions for joule (2 of 2)

Joule
/ (dʒuːl) /

noun

James Prescott. 1818–89, English physicist, who evaluated the mechanical equivalent of heat and contributed to the study of heat and electricity

Medical definitions for joule

joule
[ jōōl ]

n.

The International System unit of electrical, mechanical, and thermal energy.
A unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of 1 ampere is passed through a resistance of 1 ohm for 1 second.
A unit of energy equal to the work done when a force of 1 newton acts through a distance of 1 meter.

Scientific definitions for joule (1 of 2)

joule
[ jōōl, joul ]

The SI derived unit used to measure energy or work. One joule is equal to the energy used to accelerate a body with a mass of one kilogram using one newton of force over a distance of one meter. One joule is also equivalent to one watt-second.

Scientific definitions for joule (2 of 2)

Joule
James Prescott 1818-1889

British physicist who demonstrated that heat is a form of energy. His work established the law of conservation of energy, stating that energy is never destroyed but may be converted from one form into another. The joule unit of energy is named for him.