thermo-, therm-, thermi-, -thermia, -therm, -thermal, -thermic, -thermias, -thermies, -thermous, -thermy

(Greek: heat, heating, heater, hot, warm)

The term heat is employed in ordinary language in different senses. Some scientists distinguish four principal applications of the term:

  1. Sensation of heat.
  2. Temperature, or degree of hotness.
  3. Quantity of thermal energy.
  4. Radiant heat, or energy of radiation.

ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) (s) (noun) (no pl)
One of the various techniques for extracting energy from the vertical temperature difference in the oceans: In principle, ocean thermal energy conversion can be used to generate electricity, desalinate water, support deep-water mariculture, and provide refrigeration and air-conditioning.
ocean thermal gradient (OTG) (s) (noun) (no pl)
The temperature difference between warmer surface waters of the ocean and colder deep waters, whereas the deep waters are about 20-50 degrees Fahrenheit colder that the surface waters: In principle, the ocean thermal gradient can be utilized with various types of ocean thermal energy conversion systems.
oligotherm
Tolerating relatively low temperatures.
oligothermal
oligothermic
Descriptive terms for tolerating relatively low temperatures.
oligothermy
ophthalmothermometer
An instrument for recording the temperature of the eyes.
paleogeotherm
A pattern of temperature variation that existed in the earth’s crust at some time in the past.
paleothermometry
The investigation of the temperature of climates and oceans in past ages.
pantothermal
The ability to tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
pelvitherm
An instrument for applying heat to the pelvic organs.
philotherm
1. In biology, thriving in a warm climate.
2. A plant that completes its life cycle only in a warm environment.
philothermia
Thriving in, and preferring, a warm climate.
photothermal
A reference to the heat produced by radiant energy.
photothermic
1. Related to radiant heat.
2. Pertaining to the heating effect of light-rays.
Quiz You can find self-scoring quizzes over many of the words in this subject area by going to this Thermo- Vocabulary Quizzes page.

Related "heat, hot" word units: ferv-; pyreto-.

Related "bubble" word unit: ebulli-.