definition
strict definition
temperature
Measurements of how hot or cold an object or space is, including temperature ranges and limits.
Temperature measurements describe how hot or cold an object or space is, expressed in degrees (convertible between the Celsius or Fahrenheit scales). These include precise temperatures as well as temperature ranges and temperature limits.
The scale must accompany the value. A temperature in degrees Celsius and the equivalent value in degrees Fahrenheit describe the same thermal condition with different numbers.
Temperature does not quantify the total heat transferred to a space. That transfer is an energy quantity; the resulting temperature also depends on the materials and amounts being heated.
More specific definitions
1 sub-definitionRelated definitions
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angle
Measurements of geometric orientation, alignment, or opening expressed in degrees of arc. -
area
Measurements of bounded two-dimensional space, including cumulative areas across several levels. -
clearance
The free space allowed within a structure or pathway for entry and passage. -
depth
Vertical distances below a structure's base level, measured between specified upper and lower points. -
duration
Measurements of elapsed or expected time between a defined beginning and a defined end. -
elevation
Vertical positions of objects or reference points measured above, below, or at mean sea level. -
energy
Measurements of energy handled by an object and the power at which it is produced or consumed. -
height
Vertical distances above a structure's base level, measured between specified lower and upper points. -
hill size
The size category of a ski jumping hill, measured from the take-off point to the end of the landing area. -
humidity
Measurements of moisture in air or other gases as an absolute quantity or a percentage of saturation. -
length
Measurements of horizontal, diagonal, or travel distances between two defined extreme points. -
mass
Measurements of material quantity, commonly reported as weight in kilograms, pounds, or tons. -
pressure
Measurements of force per unit area, expressed as absolute pressure or a difference from a reference. -
speed
Measurements of motion over time, including distance traveled and rates of repeated rotation or swinging. -
strength
Measurements of the capacity of a built object to withstand various forms of stress. -
thickness
Measurements of the perpendicular distance between two sides of the same component. -
volume
Measurements of three-dimensional space displaced or enclosed within specified boundaries.