thermodynamic function of state

thermodynamic function of state

[¦thər·mō·dī′nam·ik ′fəŋk·shən əv ′stāt]

(thermodynamics)

Any of the quantities defining the thermodynamic state of a substance in thermodynamic equilibrium; for a perfect gas, the pressure, temperature, and density are the fundamental thermodynamic variables, any two of which are, by the equation of state, sufficient to specify the state. Also known as state parameter; state variable; thermodynamic variable.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.