nonequilibrium
- noun
- /nɒnˌiːkwɪˈlɪbriəm/
- Specialized
:
no equilibrio
- Such a theory would have a profound effect on how scientists describe nonequilibrium steady-state systems such as molecular machines and cells.
- nonequilibrium systems
- state of nonequilibrium
Examples
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Computer simulations of nonequilibrium systems continue to be important primarily due to the difficulty of setting up and characterizing suitable nonequilibrium small systems.
Academic text (2006) -
Despite the importance of such materials to industry, only in the last several years have physicists and engineers begun to learn much about their peculiar nonequilibrium behavior as a function of time.
Academic text (1995) -
Nonequilibrium systems are characterized by irreversible heat losses between the system and its environment, typically a thermal bath.
Academic text (2006) -
A supernova remnant displays a complex density and temperature structure in a plasma that is enriched in heavy elements and is in a state of nonequilibrium ionization.
Academic text (1995) -
The dissipative nature of the mechanism corresponding to the irreversible term means that even random fluctuations, such as those that might arise from a simple two-state nonequilibrium chemical reaction, can drive transport.
Academic text (2002) -
In a nonequilibrium state, the system cannot maintain a stable temperature or pressure.
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Many chemical reactions proceed faster in a nonequilibrium environment compared to when they are at equilibrium.
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Under nonequilibrium conditions, the particles in the system exhibit unpredictable motion patterns.
Synonyms
1
8.6
A lack of balance in a body or system that makes it unsteady
A situation where things are not steady or equal
Antonyms
How Balanced
35
6.8
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
nonequilibrium = equilibrium (transparent) = non + equilibrium
The adjective/noun is formed by adding 'non-' to 'equilibrium', yielding the straightforward meaning 'not in equilibrium'.
Etymology
Nonequilibrium comes from non- 'not' and equilibrium 'balance', so as a noun it means a 'state' that is 'not in balance'. That's why scientists use nonequilibrium to talk about systems that are not steady and are changing.