mean free path

noun

: the average distance traversed between collisions by particles (such as molecules of a gas or free electrons in metal) in a system of agitated particles

Word History

First Known Use

1879, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of mean free path was in 1879

Dictionary Entries Near mean free path

Cite this Entry

“Mean free path.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/mean%20free%20path. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

More from Merriam-Webster on mean free path

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


Which Came First?

  • baby chick with a brown egg
  • hot take or cold shoulder?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can with using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.

Can you make 12 words with 7 letters?

PLAY