kelvin n 1: the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites [syn: {kelvin}, {K}] 2: British physicist who invented the Kelvin scale of temperature and pioneered undersea telegraphy (1824-1907) [syn: {Kelvin}, {First Baron Kelvin}, {William Thompson}]
Kelvin \Kel"vin\ (k[e^]l"v[i^]n), n. [from Lord Kelvin, English physicist.] The SI unit of temperature, defined as being 1/273.16 of the triple point of water; abbreviated K. The melting point of water at 760 mm pressure is 273.15 Kelvins, and the boiling point 373.15 Kelvins. One degree Kelvin is equal to one degree Centigrade, and 9/5 degrees Fahrenheit. [PJC]