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ergodicity

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˌɜːrɡəˈdɪsɪti/

KK: /ɜrˈɡɒdɪsɪti/

noun
Definition

The state or quality of a system where its time averages are the same as its ensemble averages, often used in statistical mechanics and probability theory.


Example

In statistical mechanics, ergodicity is an important concept that helps in understanding the behavior of particles over time.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the concept of ergodicity?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think it's about how systems behave over time, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! It’s interesting how it applies to different fields like physics and economics.
Sloth B
Totally, it makes you think about how things change and stabilize in the long run.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
randomness
uniformity
stochasticity
Antonyms
determinism
predictability
order
Root Explanation

Ergodicity is formed from "ergon" (meaning work) and "-dicity" (from "dicos", meaning relating to or characterized by). The term refers to the property of a system where time averages and ensemble averages are equivalent, emphasizing the relationship between work and statistical behavior over time.

Memory Tip

Think of 'work' ('ergon') and how it relates to the behavior of systems over time, which is what ergodicity describes.

Visually Confused Words
periodicity
heroicity
aperiodicity
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