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"A ___ is a physical object with mass and volume that performs work (distinct from its thermal energy) by manipulating energy in one or more forms through internal processes, generating heat from inefficiencies, and having a finite lifespan under standard conditions."

Can someone help me find the word that fits this definition?

I though about 'engine', 'machine' and 'device' but they are not broad enough. And 'system' is too broad.

Please note that 'work' is in a more general sense, not just simple mechanical work, for example electric field work.

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  • "Combustion engine" fits the definition, but the word is not a synonym.
    – Jo Wehler
    Commented Sep 4 at 10:48
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    This describes any composite physical object. They all have mass and volume, perform work, release heat and eventually disintegrate. 'Engine', 'machine' and 'device' suggest human artifacts used for some purpose, but it is not clear from the description that is even intended. Do stars or viruses qualify?
    – Conifold
    Commented Sep 4 at 11:03
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    I’m voting to close this question because this is better suited for Physics or English StackExchange.
    – J D
    Commented Sep 4 at 14:21
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    Sounds like a heat engine.
    – Bumble
    Commented Sep 4 at 17:12
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    @Kaia No, it's not a heat engine. A heat engine needs a heat source and usually performs mechanical work. A counterexample would be a computer. A computer is not a heat engine, as far as I'm aware, but it fits the definition outlined, given that the work is performed by the electrical fields pulling the electrons into the transistors' channels. See Electric field work.
    – gabriel
    Commented Sep 4 at 18:23

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You're looking for a dissipative system, you're just missing some background knowledge needed to frame it so that you can define it from scratch.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dissipative_system

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