isolated system

noun

A system that does not interact with its surroundings. Depending on context this may mean that its total energy and/or momentum stay constant. In thermodynamics, isolated is usually used to indicate that the system's energy does not change. In mechanics it is used to indicate that the system's momentum does not change.

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Meanings

nounisolated system (plural isolated systems)

plural isolated systems

  1. natural sciencesA system that does not interact with its surroundings. Depending on context this may mean that its total energy and/or momentum stay constant. In thermodynamics, isolated is usually used to indicate that the system's energy does not change. In mechanics it is used to indicate that the system's momentum does not change.
Cite this entry
APA

isolated system. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/isolated%20system

MLA

“isolated system.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/isolated%20system. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “isolated system,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/isolated%20system.

Source: isolated system on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.