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Glite Dictionary
Rankine scale

Rankine scale

9.2
A temperature scale that starts at absolute zero and uses degrees the same size as Fahrenheit
  • noun
  • /ˈræŋkɪn skeɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : escala Rankine
  • On the Rankine scale, absolute zero is 0 degrees.

Examples

  • The Rankine scale is primarily used in engineering systems where heat computations are done using Fahrenheit degrees.

  • Engineers sometimes use the Rankine scale when dealing with thermodynamic calculations in the United States.

  • At zero on the Rankine scale, all molecular motion theoretically stops, as it is absolute zero.

  • The Rankine scale is used in some engineering fields.

  • At zero on the Rankine scale, molecular motion ceases completely, representing absolute zero.

  • Engineers often utilize the Rankine scale for accurate thermodynamic calculations in the United States.

  • In certain engineering applications, the Rankine scale is preferred for measuring temperatures in Fahrenheit.

Surface Forms

Rankine scale singular
Rankine scales plural

Morphology

Rankine + scale

The phrase is compositionally transparent: 'Rankine' identifies a temperature unit/name and 'scale' denotes a measurement system, so together they straightforwardly indicate a temperature scale named Rankine. Although the precise technical detail (degrees equal to Fahrenheit, zero at absolute zero) is specialist knowledge, a learner who knows both constituents can infer the basic meaning.

Etymology

The Rankine scale is named after the Scottish engineer William Rankine, who wanted a temperature scale that used the same size steps as 'Fahrenheit' but began at 'absolute zero'. That's why the scale's degrees match 'Fahrenheit' degrees and why zero on the scale is true 'absolute zero'.