thermal analysis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very lowTechnical, academic
Quick answer
What does “thermal analysis” mean?
A set of techniques for studying the properties of materials as they change with temperature.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A set of techniques for studying the properties of materials as they change with temperature.
In a broader scientific context, it refers to any analytical method where a sample's physical or chemical properties are measured as a function of temperature, often while the temperature is programmed to change.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is standardized in international scientific English.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to materials science, chemistry, and engineering contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “thermal analysis” in a Sentence
[verb] + thermal analysis (perform, conduct, use)[adjective] + thermal analysis (differential, thermogravimetric, dynamic)thermal analysis + [verb] (shows, indicates, reveals)thermal analysis + [preposition] + [noun] (of the sample, on the polymer)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “thermal analysis” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The thermal analysis data were plotted.
- A thermal analysis instrument is expensive.
American English
- The thermal analysis data was plotted.
- A thermal analysis instrument is expensive.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The PhD candidate used thermal analysis to determine the polymer's glass transition temperature.
Technical
TGA and DSC are the two most common forms of thermal analysis in materials science.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “thermal analysis”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “thermal analysis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “thermal analysis”
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'three thermal analyses' is rare; prefer 'three thermal analysis techniques' or 'three runs of thermal analysis').
- Confusing 'thermal analysis' with a simple temperature measurement.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an umbrella term for a family of techniques (e.g., DSC, TGA, TMA) where a material's properties are measured as temperature changes.
Materials science, polymer chemistry, pharmaceuticals, ceramics, and metallurgy.
Thermogravimetric Analysis. It is a type of thermal analysis that measures changes in a sample's mass as it is heated.
Yes, although many common techniques like DSC are frequently applied to solids and semi-solids, certain thermal analysis methods can be adapted for liquid samples.
A set of techniques for studying the properties of materials as they change with temperature.
Thermal analysis is usually technical, academic in register.
Thermal analysis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌθɜːm(ə)l əˈnæləsɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌθɜːrml əˈnæləsɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “none”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'THERMAL' for heat and 'ANALYSIS' for study. You study what heat does to a material.
Conceptual Metaphor
MATERIAL PROPERTIES ARE A FUNCTION OF TEMPERATURE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary variable controlled in thermal analysis?