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thermal
Definition
Thermal means relating to or caused by heat.
Heat is the energy that makes things hot. It is caused by the movement of particles.
Thermal energy can be transferred from one object to another. This is called heat transfer.
There are three ways that heat can be transferred:
- Conduction: Heat is transferred through direct contact.
- Convection: Heat is transferred through the movement of fluids.
- Radiation: Heat is transferred through electromagnetic waves.
How can the word be used?
The thermal layer of the atmosphere is a region of warm air that rises above a cooler layer.
Different forms of the word
Adjective:
- of or relating to heat.
- produced by or caused by heat.
- having the ability to retain heat.
Noun:
- a thermal layer of the atmosphere.
- a thermal bath.
- a thermal image.
Etymology
The word "thermal" comes from the Greek word "θέρμη" (thérmē), which means "heat".
The first recorded use of the word "thermal" in English was in the 17th century.
The word "thermal" is a cognate of the French word "thermal" and the German word "thermisch", both of which mean "thermal".
The literal meaning of the word "thermal" is "of or relating to heat".
The word "thermal" can be used to refer to things that are hot, as well as to things that are related to heat.
The word "thermal" is a common word that is used in everyday speech. It is a useful word for describing things that are hot, as well as for talking about heat transfer and thermodynamics.
Question
What does the word thermal mean?