isopycnicadj.n.
/ʌɪsəʊˈpɪknɪk/ A. adj.
(Connecting points) of the same density or of constant density; also, in Biochemistry, used with reference to ultracentrifugal separative techniques which rely on differences in density between the components of a mixture.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > [adjective] > relating to measurement of specific gravity > connecting points of same specific gravity
isopycnic1890
the world > the earth > earth sciences > geography > map-making > map > [adjective] > line on map > water features
isopycnic1890
isohaline1902
the world > life > biology > laboratory analysis > processes > [adjective] > centrifugation techniques
packed1920
isopycnic1955
1890 Webster's Internat. Dict. Eng. Lang. (at cited word) An isopycnic line or surface.
1910 V. Bjerknes et al. Dynamic Meteorol. & Hydrogr. I. iii. 39 We may represent the distribution of mass by drawing surfaces of constant value of the density, or isopycnic surfaces.
1928 N. Shaw Man. Meteorol. II. p. xxi Surfaces of equal specific volume: the isosteric surfaces of Bjerknes (or of equal density: isopycnic surfaces).
1930 W. N. Shaw Man. Metereol. III. vi. 262 (caption) The isothermic, isobaric, isopycnic lines.
1955 Exper. Cell Res. IX. 457 Isopycnic gradient centrifugation for the stratification and separation of marine egg halves and quarters was first described by the Harveys.
1962 Aeroplane 102 179/1 The isopycnic level at about 25,000 ft., known to meteorologists for its relative constancy, is being suggested as an accurate reference level for shifting safely from pressure instrument to density altimeter set according to the standard atmosphere.
1964 Jrnl. Appl. Meteorol. 3 292/2 A thick isopycnic zone might reasonably be said to exist there [i.e. in the equatorial region] from about 5–14 km.
1964 C. J. O. R. Morris & P. Morris Separation Methods in Biochem. xxi. 807 On the application of the centrifugal field each particle migrates to a position in the gradient corresponding to its own density (the isopycnic point). Particles initially situated below their isopycnic level float upwards to it.
1964 C. J. O. R. Morris & P. Morris Separation Methods in Biochem. xxi. 809 The apparent density..found from isopycnic measurements.
1971 Nature 29 Jan. 299/3 Preparing material entirely uncontaminated by cytoplasmic ribosomes, by isolating the mitochondria by isopycnic centrifugation through sucrose gradients.
B. n.
Meteorology. A line (imaginary or on a map) or an imaginary surface connecting points at which the density is the same.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > [noun] > specific gravity > line or surface connecting points with same
isopycnic1890
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > study or science of weather > diagrams, graphs, or lines > [noun] > specific volume or density
isostere1900
isopycnic1924
1890 Webster's Internat. Dict. Eng. Lang. Isopycnic n., a line or surface passing through those points in a medium, at which the density is the same.
1924 Q. Jrnl. Royal Meteorol. Soc. 50 32 In all probability the concentration of the isopycnics takes place over the antarctic continent.
1930 W. N. Shaw Man. Metereol. III. vi. 260 (table) Isobars..Isotherms..Isopycnics.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1976; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.n.1890