What does the term 'Kelvin' refer to in temperature measurement?

The term 'Kelvin' refers to an absolute temperature scale that is primarily used in the scientific community. It is defined such that 0 Kelvin (K) represents absolute zero, the theoretically lowest temperature possible, where all molecular motion ceases. The Kelvin scale does not use the degree symbol but directly indicates temperature in Kelvin.

In this context, 'base temperature' is an appropriate phrase to describe Kelvin since it serves as a fundamental or base unit for thermodynamic temperature within the International System of Units (SI). Unlike other temperature scales, such as Celsius and Fahrenheit, which can be more arbitrary due to their respective reference points, Kelvin starts from an absolute point making it essential in scientific calculations, particularly in fields dealing with thermodynamics and physical chemistry.

Celsius and Fahrenheit are relative temperature scales, based on specific reference points such as the freezing and boiling points of water, and atmospheric pressure does not directly relate to the measurement of temperature in this sense. Thus, Kelvin stands out as the scientific standard base for temperature measurement.