What does "kelvin" mean?
In the International System of Units, the base unit of thermodynamic temperature; ¹⁄_(273.16) of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water.
Kelvin
/ˈkɛlvɪn/ name, noun
name, noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: In the International System of Units, the base unit of thermodynamic temperature; ¹⁄_(273.16) of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water.
- Grammar: kelvin is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: absolute temperature unit, forename, given name, k.
- Useful contrasts: Celsius, Fahrenheit, celsius-based.
- Usage evidence: Kelvin–Helmholtz waves are found across the universe wherever two materials of different density move past one another. They can be seen in cloud formations around Earth and have even been observed in other planetary atmospheres in our solar system.
How to use "kelvin"
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- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "kelvin" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "kelvin" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "kelvin" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
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3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 In the International System of Units, the base unit of thermodynamic temperature; ¹⁄_(273.16) of the thermodynamic temperature of the triple point of water.
"Ice melts above 273.15 kelvins."
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of kelvin. alt-of
- 3 the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites wordnet
- 4 One degree of difference on this scale, as a unit interval.
"The dew point here today is only 1 kelvin above what it was yesterday."
- 5 A measurement of color warmth defined by the temperature kelvin at which an incandescent blackbody would emit a given color.
Proper Noun
- 1 A river which flows through East Dunbartonshire council area and Glasgow council area, Scotland, to the River Clyde.
- 2 A locality in the Griffith council area, central New South Wales, Australia.
- 3 A surname from Scottish Gaelic.
- 4 A male given name transferred from the surname, of rather rare usage.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"Kelvin–Helmholtz waves are found across the universe wherever two materials of different density move past one another. They can be seen in cloud formations around Earth and have even been observed in other planetary atmospheres in our solar system."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "kelvin"?
Common synonyms include: absolute temperature unit, forename, given name, k, kelvin-based, kelvin-scale.
How do you use "kelvin" in a sentence?
Kelvin–Helmholtz waves are found across the universe wherever two materials of different density move past one another. They can be seen in cloud formations around Earth and have even been observed in other planetary atmospheres in our solar system.
How do you pronounce "kelvin"?
Pronounced /ˈkɛlvɪn/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Named after Irish-born Scottish physicist William Thomson, Lord Kelvin.
Etymology 2
Of Celtic/Scottish Gaelic origin, possibly from caol (“narrow”) or coille (“wooded”) + abhainn (“river”). The surname is derived from the river. The surname was also possibly influenced by Calvert (Middle English calfhirde).