noun
Uncommon
entropy
EHNT-ruh-pee
Entropy (noun) means In physics, a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. Example: “The universe's entropy is always increasing, according to the second law of thermodynamics.”
noun
1
In physics, a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system.
"The universe's entropy is always increasing, according to the second law of thermodynamics."
2
More generally, a tendency for things to fall into chaos or disorder if left alone.
"Without regular upkeep, the old house slowly succumbed to entropy."
How to use entropy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA scientific measure of disorder — and, loosely, the natural drift of anything toward chaos over time.
Common pairings
increase in entropy
the law of entropy
succumb to entropy
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Word forms
- Plural
- entropies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The universe's _____ is always increasing, according to the second law of thermodynamics.
Etymology
Coined in 1865 by physicist Rudolf Clausius from Greek en- ("in") and trope ("transformation"), modeled on the word "energy."
Class of 1865
entropy joined the language around 1865.
See the full Class of 1865 →
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for entropy
copy
loopy
poopy
canopy
jalopy
Snoopy
droopy
photocopy
anisotropy
laparoscopy
colonoscopy
bronchoscopy
See all rhymes for entropy →
Frequently asked questions
What does “entropy” mean?
The word “entropy” means in physics, a measure of the disorder or randomness in a system. In plain terms, a scientific measure of disorder — and, loosely, the natural drift of anything toward chaos over time.
How do you pronounce “entropy”?
“Entropy” is pronounced EHNT-ruh-pee (/ˈɛntɹəpi/ in IPA).
How do you use “entropy” in a sentence?
Here is “entropy” used in a sentence: “The universe's entropy is always increasing, according to the second law of thermodynamics.”
What is another word for “entropy”?
Words with a similar meaning to “entropy” include anergy, bound entropy and disgregation.
What is the opposite of “entropy”?
The opposite of “entropy” — its antonyms — are aggregation, exergy, free entropy, negentropy and syntropy.
What part of speech is “entropy”?
“Entropy” is a noun.
Where does the word “entropy” come from?
The word “entropy” dates back to around 1865 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1865 by physicist Rudolf Clausius from Greek en- ("in") and trope ("transformation"), modeled on the word "energy.".
Is “entropy” a common word?
“Entropy” is an uncommon word in modern English.
