Meaning of the word entropy in English

What does entropy mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

entropy

US /ˈen.trə.pi/
UK /ˈen.trə.pi/
"entropy" picture

Noun

1.

a thermodynamic quantity representing the unavailability of a system's thermal energy for conversion into mechanical work, often interpreted as the degree of disorder or randomness in the system.

Example:
The second law of thermodynamics states that the entropy of an isolated system can only increase over time.
The melting of ice into water is an example of an increase in entropy.
2.

a measure of the disorder or randomness of information or data.

Example:
In information theory, entropy quantifies the average unpredictability in a source of data.
High entropy in a message means it is highly unpredictable and contains more information.
3.

lack of order or predictability; gradual decline into disorder.

Example:
The office descended into complete entropy after the busy week.
The city's infrastructure showed signs of increasing entropy.
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