(n) (physics) two laws governing electric networks in which steady currents flow: the sum of all the currents at a point is zero and the sum of the voltage gains and drops around any closed circuit is zero
[ After J. H. van't Hoff, Dutch physical chemist. ] (Phys. Chem.) The generalization that: when a system is in equilibrium, of the two opposed interactions the endothermic is promoted by raising the temperature, the exothermic by lowering it. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]