kelvin
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈkɛlvɪn/
KK: /ˈkɛlvɪn/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a temperature scale where absolute zero is 0 K, and each unit is equivalent to one degree Celsius.
Example
The temperature in the lab was measured in kelvin to ensure precision.
Conversation
Did you know that water freezes at 273.15 degrees kelvin?
Really? I always thought it was just in Celsius or Fahrenheit.
Yeah, the kelvin scale is pretty interesting for science.
I should learn more about it; it sounds useful!
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
thermodynamic
absolute
Celsius
Antonyms
unrelated
incompatible
irrelevant
noun
Definition
A unit of measurement for temperature that starts at absolute zero, where each degree is equal to one kelvin. It is used in science and is part of the metric system.
Example
The temperature of the water was measured at 300 kelvin.
Conversation
Did you know that water freezes at 273.15 kelvin?
Really? I always thought it was just about 0 degrees Celsius.
Yeah, it’s interesting how kelvin is used in scientific measurements.
Root Explanation
Kelvin is named after the Scottish physicist William Thomson, 1st Baron Kelvin, who developed the absolute temperature scale. The term 'kelvin' itself does not have Latin or Greek roots but is derived from his name, which is associated with the concept of thermodynamic temperature measured in this scale.
Memory Tip
Think of the name 'Kelvin' as a tribute to the scientist who created a scale for measuring temperature, helping you remember that 'kelvin' refers to a unit of temperature.
Visually Confused Words
kevin
keelivine