Definition

A way to describe how disordered or random something is, especially in a closed system, or how much energy is unavailable to do work.

Example

The entropy of the system increased as the particles spread out and became more disordered.

Conversation

Have you ever thought about the concept of entropy in our daily lives?

Not really, but I know it has to do with disorder, right?

Exactly! It's fascinating how everything tends to move towards more entropy over time.

Yeah, like how our rooms get messy if we don't clean them regularly!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Entropy → It is formed from "en-" (meaning in) and "trope" (from Greek "tropē", meaning turning or transformation). The word describes a measure of disorder or transformation within a system, particularly in thermodynamics.

Memory Tip

Think of 'in' ('en-') and 'transformation' ('trope') to remember that entropy refers to the level of disorder or transformation in a system.

Visually Confused Words