Isochoric Processes: What's the Story?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the etymology of the term "isochoric" in the context of thermodynamic processes. Participants explore the origins of the word and its Greek roots, comparing it to other terms like isothermal and isobaric.

Discussion Character

  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes the confusion regarding the term "isochoric," initially associating "choric" with choirs.
  • Another participant suggests that "iso" is derived from the Greek word "isos," meaning "equal."
  • A third participant confirms the Greek origins, explaining that "choric" comes from "chora," meaning "space."
  • There is a mention of the term "isotope," which means "same place" in the periodic table, drawing a parallel to the discussion.
  • Participants reflect on the importance of considering Greek rather than Latin in this context.
  • One participant provides a source for the etymology, reinforcing the Greek roots of the term.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the Greek origins of the term "isochoric," but there is some playful speculation about its relation to the word "choir." No significant disagreements are noted.

Contextual Notes

Participants rely on external sources for etymological clarification, indicating a potential limitation in their own knowledge of the term's origins.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in thermodynamics, etymology, or the linguistic roots of scientific terminology may find this discussion informative.

accidentprone
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I'm studying for my physics exam on thursday and an odd thought just struck me. It is easy to see where the names for isothermal and isobaric processes came from - iso being the latin for equal, thermal being to do with heat and baric being to do with pressure. However what about ischoric processes? All I can find online is that choric is to do with choirs? :s
 
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I believe "iso" is from the Greek Isos.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Good Question

I found this at
http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Isochoric+process

Etymology
The noun isochor and the adjective isochoric are derived from the Greek words ἴσος (isos) meaning "equal", and χώρα (chora) meaning "space."

So I guess that is somehow related to choir, with a stretch of imagination.
 
And Isotope means Same Place (in the periodic table).
 
Oh I see - it's Greek, not Latin. I should probably think in a wider context next time. Thanks for the help!
 
256bits said:
Greek words ἴσος (isos) meaning "equal", and χώρα (chora) meaning "space."

So I guess that is somehow related to choir, with a stretch of imagination.

Indeed; from the Online Etymology Dictionary, Gk. khoros "band of dancers or singers, dance, dancing ground," perhaps from PIE *gher- "to grasp, enclose."
 

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