-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
absolute zero
noun
: a theoretical temperature characterized by complete absence of heat and motion and equivalent to exactly −273.15°C or −459.67°F
Examples of absolute zero in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
But even by the time that discovery was announced, WISE was hibernating, powered down after the spacecraft ran out of the frozen hydrogen that kept its sensitive detectors so superbly cold, just a handful of degrees above absolute zero.
—Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 31 July 2024
Jijo Malayil 7 days ago 0 Science London Underground hosts trials of GPS-alternative quantum compass
Atoms when cooled to temperatures near absolute zero behave like waves and this helps researchers determine their velocity.
—Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2024
William Thomson, also known as Lord Kelvin, is best known for establishing the value of absolute zero.
—IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2024
This material has a quantum critical point between two distinct Fermi liquid states that becomes clear and sharp at temperatures less than 50 thousandths of a degree above absolute zero, depending on the magnetic field.
—Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024
See all Example Sentences for absolute zero
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'absolute zero.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1798, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near absolute zero
Cite this Entry
“Absolute zero.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolute%20zero. Accessed 17 Sep. 2024.
Kids Definition
absolute zero
noun
: a hypothetical temperature that has never been reached, represents no heat at all, and is equal to approximately −273.15°C or −459.67°F
Medical Definition
absolute zero
noun
: a theoretical temperature characterized by complete absence of heat and equivalent to exactly −273.15°C or −459.67°F
More from Merriam-Webster on absolute zero
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about absolute zero
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share