adiabatic

adjective

adi·​a·​bat·​ic ˌa-dē-ə-ˈba-tik How to pronounce adiabatic (audio)
ˌā-ˌdī-ə-
: occurring without loss or gain of heat
adiabatic expansion of a gas
adiabatically
ˌa-dē-ə-ˈba-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce adiabatic (audio)
ˌā-ˌdī-ə-
adverb

Examples of adiabatic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That process causes something called adiabatic warming, so the winds feel warm or hot. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 However, adiabatic switching does require something to generate the more complex ramping waveforms. — IEEE Spectrum, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek adiábatos "impassable" (from a- a- entry 2 + diabatós "to be crossed, fordable," verbal adjective of diabaínein "to step across, pass over," from dia- dia- + baínein "to walk, step") + -ic entry 1 — more at come entry 1

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of adiabatic was in 1870

Rhymes for adiabatic

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Browse Nearby Words

adiabat
adiabatic
adiabatic chart
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Cite this Entry

“Adiabatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adiabatic. Accessed 27 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

adiabatic

adjective
adi·​a·​bat·​ic ˌad-ē-ə-ˈbat-ik How to pronounce adiabatic (audio)
ˌā-ˌdī-ə-
: occurring without loss or gain of heat
adiabatic expansion of a gas
adiabatically
-ˈbat-i-k(ə-)lē
adverb
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