temperature difference
/ˈtɛmpəˌtʃʊr ə ˈdɪfərəns/ · tem·per·a·ture dif·fer·ence
noun
- The difference in temperature between two points or objects. The temperature difference between the hot reservoir and the cold reservoir determines the efficiency of the heat engine.
- The amount by which one temperature exceeds another. A temperature difference of 10 °C across the wall caused a significant heat loss.
Synonyms
temperature gradientthermal gradienttemperature offsettemperature differentialtemperature changetemperature variance
Antonyms
Did you know? The concept of temperature difference is central to the Carnot cycle, which defines the maximum possible efficiency of a heat engine operating between two temperatures.