| an ideal cycle of reversible engine operations in which a substance at one temperature is compressed adiabatically to a second temperature, expanded isothermally at the second temperature, expanded adiabatically from the second temperature to the first temperature, and compressed isothermally at the first temperature. |
| carnot cycle | |
noun | |
| a cycle (of expansion and compression) of an idealized reversible heat engine that does work without loss of heat |
