# thermal paste

CEFR C1 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/thermal-paste
Updated: 2026-07-22

## Definition

a sticky substance you put between a computer chip and its cooling part. It helps heat move away from the chip so the computer does not get too hot.

For teachers: a thermally conductive chemical compound used as an interface between heat sinks and heat sources such as central processing units. It fills microscopic air gaps to maximise heat transfer and prevent hardware overheating.

## Examples

- You must apply fresh thermal paste before installing the new processor.
- If your laptop fan is constantly loud and the system feels hot, you might need to replace the old thermal paste on the CPU.
- Applying too much thermal paste can be just as detrimental as applying too little, as an excessive layer may act as an insulator rather than a conductor of heat.

## Usage notes

- Commonly used with the verbs 'apply', 'spread', or 're-apply'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.