dynamic

¹dy·nam·ic

adjective \dī-ˈna-mik\

Definition of DYNAMIC

1

also dy·nam·i·cal \-mi-kəl\

a : of or relating to physical force or energy

b : of or relating to dynamics (see dynamics)

2

a : marked by usually continuous and productive activity or change <a dynamic city>

b : energetic, forceful <a dynamic personality>

3

of random-access memory : requiring periodic refreshment of charge in order to retain data

— dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of DYNAMIC

1. an exciting and dynamic performance
2. the dynamic theory of heat
3. … tournament blackjack is more dynamic, and more complex, than simply playing against the house. —Michael Kaplan, Cigar Aficionado, December 2002
4. Indeed, one of the most dynamic influences on family life and society in the last century was the extension of concepts to individual worth and human rights. —Perdita Huston, Ms., December 2001/January 2002
5. The new dynamic duo have little in common but a bright orange ball. —Stephen Rodrick, ESPN, 3 Apr. 2000

Origin of DYNAMIC

French dynamique, from Greek dynamikos powerful, from dynamis power, from dynasthai to be able

First Known Use: 1827

Related to DYNAMIC

Synonyms

vigorous, energetic, flush, gingery, lusty, peppy, red-blooded, robust, vital

Antonyms

dull, lethargic, listless, sluggish, torpid

Related Words

dynamize; animated, brisk, dashing, kinetic, lively, punchy, spirited, sprightly, vivacious; energized, enlivened, invigorated, vitalized; firm, fortified, mettlesome, mighty, powerful, puissant, strong; refreshed, rejuvenated, revitalized; able-bodied, athletic, beefy, brawny, burly, fit, hardy, husky, muscular, robustious, rugged, stalwart, stout, strapping, sturdy, tough, virile; hale, healthy, hearty, sound; capable, competent

Near Antonyms

delicate, effete, enervated, faint, feeble, frail, infirm, wan, weak, weakened; impotent, powerless, prostrate, prostrated, sapped, tired; indolent, lackadaisical, languid, lazy; invertebrate, nerveless, soft, spineless, wimpy; ill, unhealthy, unsound, unwell; broken-down, debilitated, decrepit, disabled, wasted, worn-out

Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase, quantum

Rhymes with DYNAMIC

Adamic, agamic, balsamic, ceramic

²dy·nam·ic

noun \dī-ˈna-mik\

Definition of DYNAMIC

1

: a dynamic force (see ¹dynamic)

2

: dynamics 2; also : an underlying cause of change or growth

Examples of DYNAMIC

1. the dynamic between a doctor and a patient
2. Group dynamics are important to consider.
3. The dynamics of this class are different from those of other classes.
4. Disease was a central dynamic in the decrease in population.
5. a study on famine and population dynamics
6. … the high-tech world is, at heart, a cruel, unforgiving place ruled by the merciless dynamics of the marketplace. —Michiko Kakutani, New York Times, 27 June 2002
7. … my memory of specific events is sketchy, but the general emotional flavor is engraved on my mind as a classic example of my family's bent dynamic. —Florence King, National Review, 15 Oct. 2001
8. … the Cambrian Explosion, created the evolutionary dynamic that produced most of the species that subsequently populated the earth, from insects and fish to dinosaurs and humans. —J. Madeleine Nash, Time, 20 Aug. 2001
9. Raisons d'état, not the dynamics of capitalism, created the American thrust for world influence. —Arthur M. Schlesinger, Jr., The Cycles of American History, 1986

Origin of DYNAMIC

(see ¹dynamic)

First Known Use: 1868

Rhymes with DYNAMIC

ceramic

dy·nam·ic

adjective \dī-ˈnam-ik\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of DYNAMIC

1

also dy·nam·i·cal \-i-kəl\ a : of or relating to physical force or energy b : of or relating to dynamics

2

: functional 1b <a dynamic disease>

3

a : marked by continuous usually productive activity or change <a dynamic population> b : marked by energy or forcefulness <a dynamic personality>

—dy·nam·i·cal·ly \-i-k(ə-)lē\ adverb