The Collaborative International Dictionary
joule \joule\ (j[=oo]l), n. [From the distinguished English
physicist, James Prescott Joule (1818-1889).] (Physics.)
A unit of work which is equal to 10^ 7 ergs (the unit of
work in the C. G. S. system of units), and is equivalent to
one watt-second, the energy expended in one second by an
electric current of one ampere in a resistance of one ohm;
also called the absolute joule. It is abbreviated J or j.
The international joule is slightly larger, being 1.000167
times the absolute joule. The absolute joule is approximately
equal to 0.737562 foot pounds, 0.239006 gram-calories (small
calories), and 3.72506 x 10^ -7 horsepower-hours, and
0.000948451 B.t.u.
--HCP61
Joule's equivalent. See under Equivalent, n.