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Thermals Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thermals

[ˈθɜːrməlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

clothing

Thermals are a type of clothing designed to retain body heat. They are often made from materials that provide insulation and wick moisture away, making them ideal for cold weather activities.

Synonyms

long johns, thermal underwear, thermal wear.

Examples of usage

  • I wore my thermals under my ski suit.
  • Thermals are essential for winter hiking.
  • He invested in a pair of thermal underwear for the trip.
Context #2 | Noun

meteorology

In meteorology, thermals refer to rising columns of warm air that occur in a convective process. These thermals are important for glider pilots and birds, as they provide lift necessary for flight.

Synonyms

thermal currents, updrafts.

Examples of usage

  • The pilot used the thermals to gain altitude.
  • Birds can often be seen soaring on thermals.
  • Gliders can stay aloft for hours by riding the thermals.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Thermals are created when the sun heats the Earth's surface, causing warmer air to rise and create upward currents.
  • Birds, such as eagles and hawks, use thermals to glide without flapping their wings, conserving energy while flying high.
  • Pilots of gliders often seek out thermals to gain altitude, enabling them to stay airborne longer without an engine.

Meteorology

  • In meteorology, thermals contribute to convection, a process crucial for weather patterns and storm formation.
  • Thermals can vary in strength and size, influenced by factors like land topography, temperature differences, and humidity.
  • They are more commonly found on sunny days, particularly over land, where the ground heats up more than water bodies.

Aviation

  • Thermal flying is a popular technique in soaring competitions, where pilots race to cover the most distance using thermals.
  • Gliders and hang gliders rely on thermals for lift, with skilled pilots often able to locate and ride several thermals in a single flight.
  • Understanding thermals is essential for flight instructors teaching new pilots about air currents and dynamics.

Culture

  • The phenomenon of thermals inspires hobbyists in the fields of birdwatching and nature appreciation, connecting them to flight dynamics.
  • Thermals have been depicted in art, symbolizing freedom and the beauty of soaring through the skies.

Geography

  • Thermals often occur in mountainous regions, where differential heating creates strong upward air currents.
  • Urban areas can affect thermal development, with buildings absorbing heat and contributing to localized weather patterns.

Origin of 'thermals'

The term 'thermal' originates from the Greek word 'thermos', which means 'hot' or 'warm'. It came into English usage in the early 18th century, originally used to describe the properties of heat. Over time, it evolved to encompass a variety of contexts, including clothing designed to trap heat and natural phenomena involving rising warm air. In the early 20th century, the concept of thermal insulation began to gain traction, leading to the development of specialized fabrics and garments that enhance warmth. Thus, 'thermals' came to refer specifically to both the clothing layers we wear in cold weather and to meteorological phenomena vital to aviation and ecology.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,937, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.