An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

The ratio of the density of a substance to the density of a given reference material. For a solid or liquid, it is the density (at 20°C) relative to the maximum density of water (at 4°C). For a gas is its density divided by the density of hydrogen (or sometimes dry air) at the same temperature and pressure. Also called → specific density.

See also: → relative; → density.