Peltier effect

[ pel-tyey ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the change in temperature of either junction of a thermocouple when a current is maintained in the thermocouple and after allowance is made for a temperature change due to resistance.

Peltier effect

/ ˈpɛltɪˌeɪ /

noun

1. physics the production of heat at one junction and the absorption of heat at the other junction of a thermocouple when a current is passed around the thermocouple circuit. The heat produced is additional to the heat arising from the resistance of the wires Compare Seebeck effect

Word History and Origins

Origin of Peltier effect¹

1855–60; named after Jean C. A. Peltier (1785–1845), French physicist who discovered it

Word History and Origins

Origin of Peltier effect¹

C19: named after Jean Peltier (1785–1845), French physicist, who discovered it

Example Sentences

There’s a silicone pad on the back that you can press against your skin, and the Reon Pocket uses the Peltier effect to cool or warm itself up by absorbing and releasing heat.

From The Verge

When activated, the TEC engine uses the Peltier effect to quickly cool the beverage, creating a super-fast chilling system without the need for dangerous chemicals or environmentally harmful refrigerants.

From Seattle Times

Slipping into the user’s clothes between the shoulder blades on a specially designed shirt, the Bluetooth device, which is being marketed to business people, was designed to lower the wearer’s body temperature using a method known as the Peltier effect.

From Washington Post

According to a translated version of the website, the device would reside in a pocket of a special t-shirt and would use the Peltier effect to lower or raise a person's body temperature.

From Fox News

The Reon Pocket works using the “Peltier effect,” which involves using a small electrical current to allow it to either absorb or give out heat.

From The Verge