Dictionaries of the Scots Language
Dictionars o the Scots Leid

Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)

Hide Quotations Hide Etymology

Abbreviations Cite this entry

About this entry:
First published 1976 (SND Vol. X, list of scientific terms with Scottish connections).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

WATT. From James Watt (1736–1819), of Greenock, inventor, steam engineer, etc.

1. Physics. The unit of electrical power, also used for measuring other kinds of mechanical energy, viz. the flow of one ampère at the pressure of one volt, the name being suggested by W. Siemens (1882 Report Brit. Assoc. Presid. Address 6). Hence kilowatt, wattage, watt-hour (-meter), etc.

2. Astron. A part of a large ring in the North-West portion of the moon.