specific heat

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noun Physics.

the number of calories required to raise the temperature of 1 gram of a substance 1°C, or the number of BTU's per pound per degree F.
(originally) the ratio of the thermal capacity of a substance to that of standard material.

Origin of specific heat

First recorded in 1825–35

Words nearby specific heat

specific charge, specific conductance, specific dynamic action, specific epithet, specific gravity, specific heat, specific heat capacity, specific humidity, specific immune globulin, specific immunity, specific impulse

Scientific definitions for specific heat

specific heat

See under heat capacity.

Cultural definitions for specific heat

specific heat

The amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance by one degree Celsius, or to raise the temperature of one pound of a substance by one degree Fahrenheit (see also Fahrenheit).