Describing a process where a system changes temperature or volume without exchanging heat energy with its surroundings.
From Greek a- ('not') + diabainein ('to pass through'), meaning 'impassable' to heat. Coined in the 19th century for thermodynamic processes where no heat transfer occurs.
Adiabatic cooling explains why spray cans get cold when you use them and why bike pumps heat up when you pump air quickly—the gas is doing work without taking in heat from outside!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.