termica

Termica is a term used in several Romance languages to refer to phenomena, processes, and technologies related to heat and temperature. In Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, words such as termico/termica or térmico/térmica describe anything associated with thermal energy, heat transfer, or heat-related devices. The adjective derives from the Greek therme through Latin thermus/thermicus, and in scientific language it is used to distinguish heat-related quantities and methods from others such as kinetic or mechanical.

In physics and engineering, termica designates the study of heat transfer and thermodynamics. The three primary mechanisms of heat transfer are conduction, convection, and radiation. Thermal energy is measured in joules, temperature in degrees, and several properties describe a material's thermal response, such as thermal conductivity, specific heat capacity, and thermal inertia.

Applications of termica include energy production, where thermal plants (centrales térmicas) convert heat into mechanical work and electricity; building design, where thermal insulation and heat management affect energy efficiency; propulsion systems where engines dissipate heat; and material science, where thermal analysis techniques (for example differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis) assess how materials behave under heat.

In everyday language, termica also appears in phrases referring to clothing (ropa térmica or ropa termica, meaning thermal wear), solar thermal collectors, and other devices that exploit heat. The term thus spans scientific disciplines and practical technologies.