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Original · left

Entropy (thermodynamics)

The universal thermodynamic measure of thermal degradation, molecular disorder, and chaos in a closed system.

First in use: c. 1865
Duplicate · right

Entropy (information theory)

The mathematical quantification of randomness, unpredictability, or informational surprise in a distribution.

First in use: c. 1948

Entropy / Entropy (thermodynamics) / Entropy (information theory)

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Clausius vs. Shannon.

Which meaning of Entropy is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Entropy (thermodynamics) came first (c. 1865). Entropy (information theory) arrived in 1948. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

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Entropy (thermodynamics)Entropy (information theory)
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Duplicate's share of attention

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The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · c. 1865

Entropy (thermodynamics)

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Duplicate · c. 1948

Entropy (information theory)

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