English Reference
Adjective

thermodynamic

adj.
C1 Advanced US /ˌθɝmoʊˌdaɪˈnæmɪk/ UK /θˌɜːmədaɪnˈæmɪk/ ther·mo·dy·nam·ic Physics

adj.relating to the way heat moves and how it affects the energy and movement of matter.

adj.relating to the branch of physics that deals with heat and its conversion to mechanical energy.


SIMPLE

The engine uses thermodynamic principles to convert fuel into motion.

CONTEXTUAL

Engineers study thermodynamic cycles to improve the efficiency of power plants and refrigeration systems.

COMPLEX

The efficiency of a thermodynamic system is determined by the ratio of useful work output to the total heat energy input, following the laws of entropy and energy conservation.

Powered by chemical energy, they build, transport and organize biomolecules, allowing living systems to create and maintain highly ordered structures far from thermodynamic equilibrium.

Phys.org· 22 Aug 2026

The Otto cycle is a thermodynamic process also used in car engines and other conventional machines.

ScienceDaily· 14 Aug 2026

From thermo- + dynamic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Occasional
Updated