working substance

noun

1. a substance, usually a fluid, that undergoes changes in pressure, temperature, volume, or form as part of a process for accomplishing work.

working substance

noun

1. the fluid, esp water, steam, or compressed air, that operates an engine, refrigerator, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of working substance¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

A calcium ion held in a tapered trap is used as the working substance of a tiny thermodynamic engine.

From Science Magazine

A calcium ion held in a tapered trap is used as the working substance of a tiny thermodynamic engine.

From Science Magazine

Having established the general notions of a perfect cycle, he proceeds to give a more exact illustration, employing a gas as the working substance.

From Project Gutenberg

It was necessary to show that the same relation held in all cases which could be examined experimentally, and that the ratio of equivalence of the different forms of energy, measured in different ways, was independent of the manner in which the conversion was effected and of the material or working substance employed.

From Project Gutenberg

The air has served as working substance in a heat-engine; it has also been employed in the most advantageous manner possible, since no useless re-establishment of the equilibrium of heat has been allowed to occur.

From Project Gutenberg