conservation of mass

noun phrase

: a principle in classical physics: the total mass of any isolated material system is neither increased nor diminished by reactions between the parts

called also conservation of matter

Examples of conservation of mass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Many of them, like Newton’s laws of motion or the law of conservation of mass in chemical reactions, are expressed in a rigorous mathematical form. Dina Genkina, Ars Technica, 8 Aug. 2023 If that was the case, then the city’s rental frenzy defied not just laws of supply and demand but also conservation of mass. Lane Brown, Curbed, 27 Jan. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'conservation of mass.' 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

1884, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of conservation of mass was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near conservation of mass

Cite this Entry

“Conservation of mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conservation%20of%20mass. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

conservation of mass

: a principle in physics that states that mass can neither be created nor destroyed and that the total mass of any material system is neither increased nor decreased by reactions between the parts

called also conservation of matter

Medical Definition

conservation of mass

noun
: a principle in classical physics: the total mass of any material system is neither increased nor diminished by reactions between the parts

called also conservation of matter, law of conservation of matter

More from Merriam-Webster on conservation of mass

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