specific weight
- noun
- Specialized
:
peso específico
- Scientists study the specific weight of different substances to understand their properties better.
Examples
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The physical scale of the work, the specific weight and density of the material that one "simultaneously knows, feels, and sees," (n28) the particularity of the surface—all of this slows the time of looking.
Academic text (2002) -
The specific weight of the material was measured to determine its suitability for construction.
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"The greater fiber percentage allows higher strength levels for a specific weight," she said.
Academic text (1997) -
Participants learned what muscles were activated during specific weight training exercises.
Academic text (2012) -
Such states are allowed a larger maneuvering space within the region in which they are situated because of their unique geopolitical location and specific weight.
Academic text (1999) -
Germany has a leading role (thus also having more say in dictating terms and times) not because they are evil, but because of their specific weight and the role they have conquered out of their capabilities.
Blog text (6) -
Based on these age- and gender-specific weight ranges, approximately 18% of children 10-18 years of age are obese. When overweight is also considered, the prevalence is considerably greater.
Academic text (2012) -
Before using the concrete, the engineer checked its specific weight to ensure it met the project requirements.
Surface Forms
Morphology
Although 'specific' and 'weight' together suggest a characteristic or particular weight, the precise technical meaning 'weight per unit volume' is a domain-specific extension that a B1 learner who only knows the literal constituents is unlikely to infer. The relation is partly transparent (it denotes a characteristic property) but requires technical knowledge of physics or exposure to the collocation to arrive at the exact definition.
Etymology
The noun specific weight comes from a simple image: imagine cutting a material into many small, equal cubes and weighing one. That single cube's weight for its small volume is the idea, so specific weight means 'weight per unit volume'.
