adiabatic
This term describes a thermodynamic system where no heat is exchanged with the exterior. It implies a state of isolation regarding thermal energy, meaning any temperature change occurs solely due to work done by or on the system, such as compression or expansion.
In practical application, the term is frequently used in meteorology to describe the cooling of rising air parcels and in engineering to analyze rapid processes where heat transfer is too slow to occur. It carries a technical, scientific connotation and is almost exclusively found in physics, chemistry, and atmospheric science.
Meanings
Occurring without the loss or gain of heat from the surrounding environment.
The rapid expansion of the gas was an adiabatic process.
Examples
The system remained adiabatic throughout.
The researcher analyzed the adiabatic index.
Assume the compression is perfectly adiabatic.
Historical models often assume adiabatic conditions.