adiabatic

[ ad-ee-uh-bat-ik, ey-dahy-uh- ]

adjective

1. occurring without gain or loss of heat ( diabatic ):

   an adiabatic process.

adiabatic

/ ˌeɪ-; ˌædɪəˈbætɪk /

adjective

1. (of a thermodynamic process) taking place without loss or gain of heat

noun

1. a curve or surface on a graph representing the changes in two or more characteristics (such as pressure and volume) of a system undergoing an adiabatic process

adiabatic

/ ăd′ē-ə-băt′ĭk /

1. Occurring without gain or loss of heat. When a gas is compressed under adiabatic conditions, its pressure increases and its temperature rises without the gain or loss of any heat. Conversely, when a gas expands under adiabatic conditions, its pressure and temperature both decrease without the gain or loss of heat. The adiabatic cooling of air as it rises in the atmosphere is the main cause of cloud formation.

Other Words From

• adi·a·bati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of adiabatic¹

1875–80; < Greek adiábat ( os ) incapable of being crossed ( a- a- ⁶ + dia- dia- + ba- (stem of baínein to cross) + -tos verbal adjective suffix) + -ic; diabatic

Word History and Origins

Origin of adiabatic¹

C19: from Greek adiabatos not to be crossed, impassable (to heat), from a- ¹+ diabatos passable, from dia- across + bainein to go

Example Sentences

At the same time the utmost pains are taken to maintain the adiabatic condition of the metal walls.

From Project Gutenberg

Adiabatic, ad-i-a-bat′ik, adj. (physics) neither losing nor gaining heat: impassable to heat.

From Project Gutenberg

This is the ratio of the adiabatic elasticity of air to the isothermal elasticity.

From Project Gutenberg

The adiabatic lines, representing a fall of temperature of 1° Fahrenheit per 183 feet of ascent, serve for comparison.

From Project Gutenberg

The straight dotted lines show the adiabatic decrease of temperature for ascending dry air.

From Project Gutenberg