en·tro·py (n.)

  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.

[German Entropie : Greek en-, in; see en-2 + Greek trop, transformation; see trep- in Indo-European Roots.]

Source: The American Heritage? Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition

Copyright — 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Date: August 31, 02003
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