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 The liquid hydrogen will then be heated from 20 Kelvin—just 20° Celsius above absolute zero—to 2,700 Kelvin in less than a second. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 26 July 2023 People might have learned at some point in school that at absolute zero, all motion stops. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 26 July 2023 Zero Kelvin is a measure of the coldest possible temperature, absolute zero. Popular Mechanics, 4 Aug. 2023 Using the chip, however, still requires hooking individual chips up to a PCB and getting it down to near absolute zero degrees in a dilution refrigeration system. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 15 June 2023 That’s why superconductors usually occur at temperatures approaching absolute zero, when such thermal energy is extremely low. Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 15 Aug. 2023 Any matter above the temperature of absolute zero (about -273 Celsius) will emit light. Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 21 Sep. 2023 Familiar metals like tin and mercury become superconductors only when chilled to within a few degrees of absolute zero. Quanta Magazine, 28 Nov. 2023 Atoms and molecules in a gas or liquid are in continuous and random motion at temperatures above absolute zero (0 kelvin, which is -273 °C or -459 °F). IEEE Spectrum, 27 Oct. 2023

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolute zero was in 1798

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 18 Mar. 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

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