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.
British Dictionary definitions for kelvin scale (1 of 3)
Kelvin scale
noun
a thermodynamic temperature scale based upon the efficiencies of ideal heat engines. The zero of the scale is absolute zero. Originally the degree was equal to that on the Celsius scale but it is now defined so that the triple point of water is exactly 273.16 kelvins. The International Practical Temperature Scale (1968, revised 1990) realizes the Kelvin scale over a wide range of temperatures
Compare Rankine scale
British Dictionary definitions for kelvin scale (2 of 3)
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 scale (3 of 3)
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 scale (1 of 2)
Kelvin scale
n.
An absolute scale of temperature in which each degree equals one kelvin. Water freezes at 273.15 K and boils at 373.15 K.
absolute scale
Medical definitions for kelvin scale (2 of 2)
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 scale (1 of 2)
Kelvin scale
A scale of temperature beginning at absolute zero (-273.15°C or -459.67°F). Each degree, or kelvin, represents the same temperature increment as one degree on the Celsius scale. On the Kelvin scale water freezes at 273.15 K and boils at 373.15 K.
Scientific definitions for kelvin scale (2 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.
Cultural definitions for kelvin scale
Kelvin scale
The standard temperature scale in scientific work, proposed by Lord Kelvin. A degree on the Kelvin scale is the same size as a degree on the Celsius scale, but the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero instead of at the freezing point of water. Thus, on the Kelvin scale, absolute zero is zero degrees, ice melts at about 273 degrees, and water boils at about 373 degrees.