Found 2 items, similar to Joule.
English → English (WordNet)
Definition: joule
joule
n 1: a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a
current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one
ohm for one second [syn:
J,
watt second]
2: English physicist who established the mechanical theory of
heat and discovered the first law of thermodynamics
(1818-1889) [syn:
James Prescott Joule]
English → English (gcide)
Definition: joule
joule
\joule\ (j[=oo]l), n. [From the distinguished English
physicist, James Prescott Joule (1818-1889).] (Physics.)
A unit of work which is equal to 10^
7 ergs (the unit of
work in the C. G. S. system of units), and is equivalent to
one watt-second, the energy expended in one second by an
electric current of one ampere in a resistance of one ohm;
also called the
absolute joule. It is abbreviated J or j.
The
international joule is slightly larger, being 1.000167
times the absolute joule. The absolute joule is approximately
equal to 0.737562 foot pounds, 0.239006 gram-calories (small
calories), and 3.72506 x 10^
-7 horsepower-hours, and
0.000948451 B.t.u. --HCP61
[1913 Webster +PJC]
Joule's equivalent. See under
Equivalent, n.
[1913 Webster]