joule n.  Physics. A unit of work which is equal to 10⁷ 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.

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