joule Symbol J. The SI unit of work and energy equal to the work done when the point of application of a force of one newton moves, in the direction of the force, a distance of one metre. 1 joule = 10⁷ ergs = 0.2388 calorie. It is named after James Prescott Joule (1818–89).

joule / joōl; joul/ (abbr.: J) • n. the SI unit of work or energy, equal to the work done by a force of one newton when its point of application moves one meter in the direction of action of the force, equivalent to one 3600th of a watt-hour.

Joule The SI (Système Internationale) unit of energy; used to express energy content of foods and energy expenditure; 4.2 kilojoules (kJ) is equivalent to 1 kilocalorie (kcal). Named after James Prescott Joule (1818–1889), British physicist, who determined the equivalence of heat and energy, and the mechanical equivalent of heat.

joule (symbol J) SI unit of energy. One joule is the work done by a force of one newton acting over a distance of one metre. It was named after James P. Joule and replaced the erg.

joule (jool) n. the SI unit of work or energy, equal to the work done when the point of application of a force of 1 newton is displaced through a distance of 1 metre in the direction of the force. Symbol: J. See also calorie.