partial pressure

noun

: the pressure exerted by a (specified) component in a mixture of gases

Examples of partial pressure in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Beyond the risks of decompression sickness, living under the sea alters the partial pressure of oxygen in the human body. —

Tree Meinch, Discover Magazine, 25 May 2023 In many cases, the cause of death is increased partial pressure of nitrogen, according to the Library of Medicine. —

Joe Mario Pedersen, orlandosentinel.com, 16 June 2021 The increase in the partial pressure of the carbon dioxide was temporarily difficult to tolerate, leading to gagging and choking, but the submarine flooded quickly and the pressure was equalized. —

Rachel Lance, Wired, 7 Apr. 2020 Unlike an internal combustion engine, an electric motor cares not about partial pressures of oxygen. —

Jonathan M. Gitlin, Ars Technica, 19 Mar. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'partial pressure.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1857, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of partial pressure was in 1857

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Dictionary Entries Near partial pressure

partial out

partial pressure

partial product

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Partial pressure.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/partial%20pressure. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.

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