relative density

noun

, Physics.

1. specific gravity.

relative density

noun

1. the ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a standard substance under specified conditions. For liquids and solids the standard is usually water at 4°C or some other specified temperature. For gases the standard is often air or hydrogen at the same temperature and pressure as the substance d See also specific gravity vapour density

relative density

1. The ratio of the density of one substance to that of a reference substance, typically water.
2. See more at specific gravity

Word History and Origins

Origin of relative density¹

First recorded in 1875–80;

Example Sentences

A mixture of 40% glycerin and 60% red food colouring was used, simulating the relative density and viscosity of human blood.

From Science Daily

"The relative density of the drama that Villeneuve has packed into this movie is deflated by a similar uptick in the grandiosity of the spectacle that surrounds it," Ehrlich wrote.

From BBC

“By introducing tens or hundreds of beehives, the relative density of honey bees increases exponentially compared with wild native pollinators,” Valido explains.

From Scientific American

X-ray scans are still used today to assess the relative density of coral growth rings, which reflects the climatic conditions at the time the rings were created.

From Scientific American

By observing how often antiprotons annihilate with a proton versus a neutron, the team will be able to understand the relative densities of these particles at the very edge of the nucleus.

From Nature