Meaning & use

thermodynamics

noun·Academic

The branch of physics that studies heat, energy, and the way they transform and move between systems.

See it in a sentence

Thermodynamics explains why a hot cup of coffee gradually cools to room temperature.

Students learned the laws of thermodynamics before studying engines in more detail.

A note on using this word

Used as a singular mass noun despite the plural-looking ending, as in 'thermodynamics is a core physics topic.'

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