Meaning & Definition of word "Entropy"

Entropy

/ˈɛn.trə.pi/

1. A measure of the amount of disorder or randomness in a system, commonly used in thermodynamics and information theory.
- Example: As the ice melts, the entropy of the water increases.
2. A measure of uncertainty or information content in a data set, used in the context of information theory.
- Example: The entropy of the dataset indicates the level of unpredictability of the outcomes.
3. In a broader sense, a term used to describe decline into disorder or chaos.
- Example: The entropy of the office environment became apparent as papers were scattered everywhere.
4. The tendency of a system to move towards a state of maximum disorder.
- Example: The second law of thermodynamics states that entropy will always increase in an isolated system.

From Greek 'entropia', meaning 'a turning toward' or 'transformation'.

entropy increase:

The phenomenon where entropy rises, indicating greater disorder.

maximal entropy:

A state where a system is in complete disorder.

entropy and information:

A concept illustrating the relationship between disorder and the amount of information.

thermodynamics:

The branch of physics that deals with heat and temperature and their relation to energy and work.

statistical mechanics:

A branch of physics that uses statistical methods to explain the thermodynamic behavior of systems.

information theory:

A field of study that involves quantifying information, particularly in communication systems.

Meaning: A chaotic situation or state.

Example Sentence: The party turned into complete entropy when the music started blaring.

Meaning: A state of confusion or disarray in planning.

Example Sentence: The project was in entropy after the last-minute changes.