nonideal

[ non-ahy-dee-uhl, -deel ]

adjective

, Physics.

1. (of a gas or solution) differing in behavior from that of an ideal gas or solution.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nonideal¹

non- + ideal

Example Sentences

Austad has another theory: he thinks hungry wild animals will be likely to start eating nonideal food sources, such as fungus-covered grain, some of which might be toxic.

From Scientific American

Political theorists sometimes distinguish between “ideal theory” — an account of justice that tells you what you should do in a world where everyone was in compliance with the theory’s dictates — and “nonideal theory,” which starts closer to our social realities.

From New York Times

“Earth’s atmosphere is a pretty nonideal lens so it produces very blurry images,” he says.

From Science Magazine

She considered the “Dr. Phil” appearance a nonideal solution to what seemed like an otherwise intractable problem.

From New York Times

"They can be easily tricked by seed dealers or mistakenly plant a nonideal variety, but must wait around six years to find out what precisely they planted."

From Scientific American