joule

noun

ˈjül How to pronounce joule (audio)
also nonstandard
ˈjau̇(-ə)l How to pronounce joule (audio)
: a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

Examples of joule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With a radiation exposure that delivers roughly 1,000 joules per square centimeter, superheated regions developed on the asteroid, producing pressures of over 100 gigapascals (roughly a million times the atmospheric pressure at sea level). John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Sep. 2024 That means the power needed to move at a constant velocity would be 1.0 x 107 watts (1 watt = 1 joule per second). Rhett Allain, WIRED, 26 July 2024 One British thermal unit is equivalent to 1,055 joules and will raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit. Matthew J. C. Clark, Harper's Magazine, 21 June 2024 These cells can store 2.5 x 109 joules per cubic meter. Rhett Allain, WIRED, 4 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for joule 

Word History

Etymology

James P. Joule

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of joule was in 1882

Dictionary Entries Near joule

Cite this Entry

“Joule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/joule. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

joule

noun
: a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

Medical Definition

joule

noun
: a unit of work or energy equal to the work done by a force of one newton acting through a distance of one meter

Biographical Definition

Joule

biographical name

James Prescott 1818–1889 English physicist

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