(sel'sē-ŭs )

Swedish astronomer, 1701–1744.

C scale A temperature scale on which the boiling point of water is 100° and the freezing point is 0°. This is the official scientific name of this temperature scale. SYN: centigrade ¹scale.

SEE: Fahrenheit¹scale for table; thermometer for table; Conversion Rules and Factors.

C. thermometer A thermometer generally used in scientific notation. Temperature of boiling water at sea level is 100°C and the freezing point is 0°C. SYN: centigrade thermometer.