international temperature scale
C2technical, scientific, formal
Definition
Meaning
A standardized system for defining and measuring temperature, established by international agreement to ensure uniformity and precision in scientific and industrial applications.
Any of several precise empirical scales (e.g., ITS-90, ITS-48) that define temperature values in terms of fixed reference points (like the triple point of water) and specified interpolation procedures between them, serving as the authoritative reference for calibrating thermometers and scientific measurements worldwide.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Almost exclusively used in metrology, physics, engineering, and high-precision industrial contexts. Typically referenced by its acronym (ITS) and a year suffix (e.g., ITS-90). Not to be confused with everyday scales like Celsius or Fahrenheit, which are defined by the ITS.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling conventions follow the regional norm (e.g., 'metre' may appear in UK texts discussing the scale's definition, but the term itself is invariant).
Connotations
Identical technical, precise connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both regions, confined to technical discourse.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The [instrument] is calibrated according to the [ITS-90].[Measurement] was made on the [international temperature scale].To realize the [scale] in the laboratory...The definition of the [scale] includes...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[none for this highly technical term]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used, except in highly specific contexts like the manufacturing of precision instruments or scientific equipment sales.
Academic
Core term in advanced physics, chemistry, and engineering textbooks and papers, particularly in metrology and thermodynamics.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only appear in popular science articles explaining how temperature is standardised.
Technical
Primary context. Used in calibration certificates, standards documents (e.g., BIPM publications), and laboratory procedure manuals.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Scientists use a special international temperature scale.
- The international temperature scale helps make sure a degree is the same everywhere.
- Laboratories worldwide calibrate their thermometers against the current international temperature scale, ITS-90.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an INTERNATIONAL conference where every country agrees on one perfect TEMPERATURE SCALE (ITS) to stop scientists from arguing about the heat.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GLOBAL LEGAL CODE FOR TEMPERATURE: providing fixed laws (fixed points) and procedures (interpolations) that all must follow to ensure justice (accuracy) in measurement.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'international' as 'интернациональный' in this context; the standard term is 'международная температурная шкала'.
- Do not confuse with 'шкала Цельсия/Fahrenheit' – the ITS is the definition behind those everyday scales.
- The acronym 'ITS' is used identically in Russian technical texts (ИТШ-90).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'international temperature scale' to refer to Celsius or Fahrenheit in casual conversation.
- Omitting the crucial year designation (e.g., saying 'the ITS' without specifying ITS-90) in technical writing where precision is required.
- Incorrect preposition: 'in the scale' instead of 'on the scale'.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of an international temperature scale like ITS-90?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The Celsius scale is a derived, everyday scale. The ITS (e.g., ITS-90) is the rigorous, international definition that fixes the values of temperature points, which we then use to define the Celsius scale (e.g., 0°C is defined as 273.15 K on the ITS).
The scale is updated periodically to incorporate advances in measurement technology and physics, allowing for more precise, reproducible, and wider-range temperature definitions.
It is defined and maintained by the International Committee for Weights and Measures (CIPM) under the authority of the Metre Convention, based on work by bodies like the BIPM (International Bureau of Weights and Measures).
Almost never. Its impact is indirect, ensuring that your weather forecast, medical thermometer, and industrial processes are based on the same, accurate standard, but the scale itself is a tool for scientists and metrologists.