microphysical
1
9.3
- adjective
- /ˌmaɪkroʊˈfɪzɪkəl/
- Specialized
- Further theoretical understanding of microphysical processes is needed, in particular, the role of aerosols on cloud drop-size distributions.
- microphysical processes
Examples
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Understanding the microphysical processes in clouds helps meteorologists predict weather patterns more accurately.
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The limitation of ground-based measurements is that certain cloud characteristics, such as microphysical properties, cannot be observed from the ground, although some information can be retrieved by remote sensing from ground-based instruments, such as microwave sensing of column-cloud water.
Academic text (1994) -
The cloud optical properties then depend on two bulk microphysical quantities.
Academic text (1994) -
However, in situ data can be used to test satellite retrieval methods and microphysical models.
Academic text (1994) -
Finally, given the extreme lack of understanding of tropical anvils, especially with regard to the microphysical processes, further theoretical work is desperately needed.
Academic text (1994) -
In situ observations from airplanes or balloons are valuable in obtaining data on microphysical processes in clouds.
Academic text (1994) -
Scientists study the microphysical properties of particles to understand their behavior at a subatomic level.
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Research on microphysical interactions between particles provides insight into the formation of matter at the smallest scales.
Synonyms
1
6.0
Used to describe very small sizes or amounts in science
How Microscopic
- Specialized
25
6.3
- Specialized
1
9.3
- Specialized
5
5.3
- Specialized
4
5.6
Surface Forms
Morphology
microphysical = physical (transparent) = micro + phys + ical
The meaning is a straightforward combination of micro- 'small' and physical, referring to physical properties or processes at a very small scale.
Etymology
Microphysical comes from micro- meaning 'small', the same micro- you see in microscope, and physical from physics meaning 'about matter'. So microphysical means 'about the physical parts and actions of very small things', like atoms and tiny particles.