Celsius Temperature scale, devised in 1742 by the Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius. On this scale, the difference between the reference temperatures of the freezing and boiling points of water is divided into 100 degrees. The freezing point is 0°C and the boiling point is 100°C. The name Celsius officially replaced centigrade in 1948. Degrees Celsius are converted to degrees Fahrenheit by multiplying by 1.8 and then adding 32. See also thermometer

Cel·si·us (abbr.: C) • adj. of or denoting a scale of temperature on which water freezes at 0° and boils at 100° under standard conditions.• n. (also Celsius scale) this scale of temperature.