Kelvin
[ kel-vin ]
/ ˈkɛl vɪn /
noun
William Thomson, 1st Baron,1824–1907,
English physicist and mathematician.
(lowercase)
the basic unit of temperature in the International System of Units (SI), formally defined to be approximately 1/273 of the triple point of water. Abbreviation: K
adjective
Thermodynamics.
noting or pertaining to an absolute scale of temperature (Kelvin scale) in which the degree intervals are equal to those of the Celsius scale and in which absolute zero is 0 degrees Kelvin and the triple point of water has the value of approximately 273 degrees Kelvin.
Compare absolute temperature scale, Celsius(def 3).
Also Kel·win
[kel-win] /ˈkɛl wɪn/.
a male given name.
Example sentences from the Web for kelvin
British Dictionary definitions for kelvin (1 of 2)
kelvin
/ (ˈkɛlvɪn) /
noun
the basic SI unit of thermodynamic temperature; the fraction 1/273.16 of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water
Symbol: K
British Dictionary definitions for kelvin (2 of 2)
Kelvin
/ (ˈkɛlvɪn) /
noun
William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin. 1824–1907, British physicist, noted for his work in thermodynamics, inventing the Kelvin scale, and in electricity, pioneering undersea telegraphy
Medical definitions for kelvin
kelvin
[ kĕl′vĭn ]
n.
A unit of temperature in the Kelvin scale equal to 1273.16 of the absolute temperature of the triple point of pure water.
Scientific definitions for kelvin (1 of 2)
kelvin
[ kĕl′vĭn ]
The SI unit used to measure temperature, the basic unit of the Kelvin scale. A difference of one degree Kelvin corresponds to the same temperature difference as a difference of one degree Celsius. See Table at measurement. See also absolute zero.
Scientific definitions for kelvin (2 of 2)
Kelvin
First Baron Title of William Thomson 1824-1907
British mathematician and physicist known especially for his work on heat and electricity. In 1848 he proposed a scale of temperature independent of any physical substance, which became known as the Kelvin scale.