What does entropically mean?
Entropically is an adverb meaning in a manner involving entropy, the thermodynamic quantity that measures how many microscopic arrangements correspond to a system's macroscopic state. It is especially associated with processes in which entropy increases and spontaneous reversal becomes less probable, as when heat disperses through a gas or a chemical reaction spreads energy into its surroundings. The word is primarily used in physics, chemistry, and other technical fields, though writers may also apply it metaphorically to cultural, social, or technological changes that seem increasingly difficult to reverse. Entropically differs from simply saying disorderly because it retains its scientific associations with irreversibility, energy distribution, and statistical probability. It is therefore especially useful when precision matters and a general term such as chaotically would be too vague or informal.
adverbIn a manner involving or characterized by entropy, especially in accordance with increasing entropy or thermodynamic irreversibility.
- In a manner governed by entropy, especially with reference to the increase of entropy or thermodynamic irreversibility.
"The reaction is entropically favored because it increases the total entropy of the reaction system and its surroundings."
"The gas expands entropically as the thermal energy disperses throughout the chamber."
"Researchers described the arrangement as entropically unfavorable, despite its visually ordered structure."
If entropy always rises in an isolated system, then the universe has a favorite direction: the direction of more disorderly possibilities.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does entropically come from?
English entropically was formed from entropy with the adverbial suffix -ically. Entropy was coined in the nineteenth century by Rudolf Clausius, using the German word Entropie; that term was modeled on Greek entropia, meaning a turning or reversal, from en- and trepein, “to turn.” Greek tropikos, the source of tropic, belongs to the same ancient root.
How entropically is actually used
Chiefly formal and technical, especially in thermodynamics, statistical mechanics, chemistry, and information theory. It is uncommon in everyday speech but is sometimes used metaphorically to describe processes that increase disorder or reduce the possibility of reversal.