noun
therm
THURM/θɜːrm/
A unit of heat energy equal to 100,000 British thermal units, used especially for natural gas.
The gas meter displays one therm beside a flame symbol.
Etymology
Greek thermē means heat itself; as a unit name, therm makes heat a measurable quantity. The source records an early proposal to replace the calorie that was not accepted.
In context
A therm is a unit of measurement for natural gas energy equal to 100,000 British thermal units. Your natural gas bill is based on the number of therms you consume during your billing period.
More examples
- One therm equals 100,000 British thermal units.
- Our gas bill lists energy use in therms.
- The utility charges a fixed price per therm.
Forms
therm · therms
Similar words
- British thermal unit
- A smaller heat unit; 100,000 equal one therm.
- joule
- The standard metric energy unit, much smaller than a therm.