joule

/d͡ʒuːl/

joule

English Noun

Definition

In the International System of Units, the derived unit of energy, work and heat; the work required to exert a force of one newton for a distance of one metre. Equivalent to one watt-second (one watt of power acting for a duration of one second).

Etymology

Named after English physicist James Prescott Joule (1818–1889). The surname is a variant of Joel.