Definition of entropy

< entresol

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en·tro·py    (ntr-p) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. en·tro·pies

1. Symbol S For a closed thermodynamic system, a quantitative measure of the amount of thermal energy not available to do work.
2. A measure of the disorder or randomness in a closed system.
3. A measure of the loss of information in a transmitted message.
4. The tendency for all matter and energy in the universe to evolve toward a state of inert uniformity.
5. Inevitable and steady deterioration of a system or society.

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ETYMOLOGY:
German Entropie : Greek en-, in ; see en-² + Greek trop, transformation; see trep- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
en·tropic  (n-trpk, -trpk) KEY (Adjective), en·tropi·cal·ly(Adverb)