: the heat in calories required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance one degree Celsius
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebMuch of the power of extreme event attribution comes from its ability to address the firsthand experience of people suffering through specific heat waves or floods—their hyperlocality. Grace Huckins, Wired, 15 Dec. 2021 But only two states, California and Washington, have specific heat illness prevention standards that include access to drinking water, shade and minimum cool-down rest periods.NBC News, 17 Aug. 2021 However, this specific heat dome is one of the rarest. Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY, 28 June 2021 July is by far the state's hottest month, boasting virtually all of our statewide and station-specific heat records, and historically accounts for 40% of all 90-degree F days. Paul Douglas, Star Tribune, 7 June 2021 Water temperatures typically lag air temperatures due to the higher specific heat of water. Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 10 May 2021 While plastics made from materials like corn can biodegrade in compost facilities under specific heat and moisture conditions, plastic that quickly breaks down in nature has proved elusive. Saabira Chaudhuri, WSJ, 20 Mar. 2021 This has cold to the touch bamboo fabric with high specific heat capacity to keep you cool throughout the night. Chris Hachey, BGR, 10 Mar. 2021 Though not tied into this specific heat wave in southern Alaska, unusual springtime heat along the north coast melted sea ice along northern Alaska. Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 1 July 2019 See More
Word History
First Known Use
1799, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
specific heat
noun
1
: the ratio of the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of a body one degree to that required to raise the temperature of an equal mass of water one degree
2
: the heat in calories required to raise the temperature of one gram of a substance one degree Celsius