[kel-vin] 
| 1. | William Thomson, 1st Baron, 1824–1907, English physicist and mathematician. |
| 2. | (lowercase ) the base SI unit of temperature, defined to be 1/273.16 of the triple point of water. Abbreviation: K |
| 3. | Thermodynamics. noting or pertaining to an absolute scale of temperature (Kelvin scale) in which the degree intervals are equal to those of the Celsius scale and in which the triple point of water has the value 273.16 Kelvin. Compare absolute temperature scale, Celsius (def. 2). |
| 4. | Also, Kel⋅win [kel-win] . a male given name. |
The standard temperature scale in scientific work, proposed by Lord Kelvin. A degree on the Kelvin scale is the same size as a degree on the Celsius scale, but the Kelvin scale starts at absolute zero instead of at the freezing point of water. Thus, on the Kelvin scale, absolute zero is zero degrees, ice melts at about 273 degrees, and water boils at about 373 degrees.
kelvin kel·vin (kěl'vĭn)
n.
Abbr. K
A unit of temperature in the Kelvin scale equal to 1/273.16 of the absolute temperature of the triple point of pure water.
Kelvin scale n.
An absolute scale of temperature in which each degree equals one kelvin. Water freezes at 273.15 K and boils at 373.15 K. Also called absolute scale.
| Kelvin, First Baron. Title of William Thomson 1824-1907.
British mathematician and physicist known especially for his work on heat and electricity. In 1848 he proposed a scale of temperature independent of any physical substance, which became known as the Kelvin scale. |
| Kelvin scale
A scale of temperature beginning at absolute zero (-273.15°C or -459.67°F). Each degree, or kelvin, represents the same temperature increment as one degree on the Celsius scale. On the Kelvin scale water freezes at 273.15 K and boils at 373.15 K. |