(kel'vĭn )

Sir William Thomson (First Baron Kelvin of Largs), Brit. physicist, 1824–1907.

K. scale The temperature scale that uses the kelvin as the unit of measurement and in which absolute zero is equal to minus 273.15° on the Celsius scale. On the Kelvin scale the freezing point of water is 273.15°K, and the boiling point 373.15°K.

K. thermometer A thermometric scale in which absolute zero is 0°K; the freezing point of water is 273.15°K; and the boiling point of water is 373.15°K. Thus 1°K on the Kelvin scale is exactly equivalent to 1°C.