nonequilibrium
noun
non·equi·lib·ri·um
ˌnän-ˌē-kwə-ˈli-brē-əm 
-ˌe-
: absence or lack of equilibrium or balance : a state of imbalance between opposing forces or processes
—often used before another noun
nonequilibrium states
nonequilibrium thermodynamics
Examples of nonequilibrium in a Sentence
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Entropy maximization has long been thought to be a trait of nonequilibrium systems.
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Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2017
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Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2017
Cite this Entry
“Nonequilibrium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nonequilibrium. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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