kinetic energy

kinetic energy

noun

Definition of KINETIC ENERGY

: energy associated with motion

First Known Use of KINETIC ENERGY

1870

kinetic energy

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of KINETIC ENERGY

: energy associated with motion

kinetic energy

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Form of energy that an object has by reason of its motion. The kind of motion may be translation (motion along a path from one place to another), rotation about an axis, vibration, or any combination of motions. The total kinetic energy of a body or system is equal to the sum of the kinetic energies resulting from each type of motion. The kinetic energy of an object depends on its mass and velocity. For instance, the amount of kinetic energy KE of an object in translational motion is equal to one-half the product of its mass m and the square of its velocity v, or KE = mv², provided the speed is low relative to the speed of light. At higher speeds, relativity changes the relationship.