entropy Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (communication theory) a numerical measure of the uncertainty of an outcome
    selective information; information.
    • the signal contained thousands of bits of information
  2. noun (thermodynamics) a thermodynamic quantity representing the amount of energy in a system that is no longer available for doing mechanical work
    randomness; S.
    • entropy increases as matter and energy in the universe degrade to an ultimate state of inert uniformity

WordNet

En"tro*py noun
Etymology
Gr. a turning in; in + a turn, fr. to turn.
Definitions
  1. (Thermodynamics) A certain property of a body, expressed as a measurable quantity, such that when there is no communication of heat the quantity remains constant, but when heat enters or leaves the body the quantity increases or diminishes. If a small amount, h, of heat enters the body when its temperature is t in the thermodynamic scale the entropy of the body is increased by h t. The entropy is regarded as measured from some standard temperature and pressure. Sometimes called the thermodynamic function.
    The entropy of the universe tends towards a maximum. Clausius.

Webster 1913