nonequilibrium
- adjective
- /nɒnˌiːkwɪˈlɪbriəm/
- Specialized
:
no equilibrio
- Our bodies, for example, are maintained in a nonequilibrium state by metabolic processes that dissipate heat all the time.
- nonequilibrium steady state
- nonequilibrium state
- nonequilibrium work
Examples
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Most biological systems, including molecular machines and even whole cells, are nonequilibrium steady states.
Academic text (2006) -
The relevance of a nonequilibrium ecological model for environmental planning is illustrated for two barrier beaches on the Yucatan Peninsula.
Academic text (1993) -
Edge fluctuations allow nonequilibrium structures to decay back toward their equilibrium state.
Academic text (1999) -
Such systems often execute irreversible transitions between nonequilibrium steady states.
Academic text (2006) -
If our interpretation of edge fluctuations is correct, then we should be able to quantitatively predict how nonequilibrium structures evolve.
Academic text (1999) -
In particular, in a nonequilibrium small system, thermal fluctuations can lead to observable and significant deviations from the system's average behavior.
Academic text (2006) -
An initial optical excitation of electrons across the bandgap produces a small, nonequilibrium excess electron-hole pair population.
Academic text (1994) -
Biological processes are often in a nonequilibrium state, continually adjusting to maintain life.
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In physics, studying nonequilibrium systems helps scientists understand how energy flows and transforms.
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The behavior of gases under rapid expansion demonstrates nonequilibrium dynamics that differ from those at rest.
Synonyms
80
4.4
Not steady and likely to change, fail, or fall
14
3.8
Not steady in position, health, or feeling
2
4.3
Weather that often changes, bringing rain or strong wind
Antonyms
How Balanced
35
6.8
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
nonequilibrium = equilibrium (transparent) = non + equilibrium
The prefix 'non-' straightforwardly negates the noun 'equilibrium' to give the meaning 'not in equilibrium' in scientific contexts.
Etymology
Nonequilibrium is formed from non- meaning 'not' and equilibrium meaning 'balance' or 'a steady state'. So, to call something nonequilibrium (as an adjective) is to say it is 'not in balance' and often changing, a term used a lot in science.