noun
- the property of certain crystals to develop an electric charge when heated or cooled
Usage: physics; materials science
Examples
- Tourmaline exhibits pyroelectricity when exposed to temperature changes.
- Scientists study pyroelectricity to develop new thermal sensors.
- The pyroelectricity of certain minerals makes them useful in infrared detectors.
- When heated, the crystal's pyroelectricity generated a measurable electric field.
- Pyroelectricity differs from piezoelectricity, which is triggered by mechanical pressure rather than heat.