English · Science & Technology
energy cycle
/ˈɛn.ə.dʒi ˈsaɪ.kəl/
[/ˈɛn.ə.dʒi ˈsaɪ.kəl/]
flow of energy
Advancednoun
Definition
The way energy moves through living things and the environment, changing form as it goes.
Example
The energy cycle begins when plants capture sunlight and store it as chemical energy in food.
The energy cycle begins when plants capture sunlight and store it as chemical energy in food.
Etymology
Combining 'energy' (Greek 'energeia', activity) and 'cycle' (Greek 'kyklos', circle).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in ecology and earth science to describe energy flow.