Definition

1. Noun:
   • Electricity generated by heat: "Thermoelectricity" refers to the direct conversion of temperature differences into electric voltage, or vice versa, through a phenomenon known as the thermoelectric effect. This occurs in certain materials, such as in a thermocouple.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The researchers are studying new materials to improve the efficiency of thermoelectricity.
  • Thermoelectricity powers some deep-space probes using heat from radioactive decay.

Advanced Usage

• "Thermoelectric effect": The physical principle underlying thermoelectricity, which includes the Seebeck, Peltier, and Thomson effects.
  • The Seebeck effect, which generates thermoelectricity, is used in temperature sensors.

Variants and Related Words

• Thermoelectric (adj): Relating to or involving thermoelectricity.
  • Thermoelectric generators are used in remote locations.
• Thermocouple (n): A device consisting of two different conductors that produces a voltage proportional to a temperature difference, a common application of thermoelectricity.
  • The thermocouple's output is a classic example of thermoelectricity in action.

Synonyms

• Pyroelectricity (n): While related, this specifically refers to electricity generated from temperature in certain crystals, not a steady temperature .

Related Phrases

• Thermoelectric power generation: The process of generating electrical power from heat sources.
  • Waste heat recovery often relies on thermoelectric power generation.

Noun

1. electricity produced by heat (as in a thermocouple)