momentum

mo·men·tum

noun \mō-ˈmen-təm, mə-\

plural mo·men·ta\-ˈmen-tə\ or momentums

Definition of MOMENTUM

1

: a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity; broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment

2

: strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events

Examples of MOMENTUM

1. The company has had a successful year and hopes to maintain its momentum by introducing new products.
2. The movie loses momentum toward the end.

Origin of MOMENTUM

New Latin, from Latin, movement

First Known Use: 1610

Related to MOMENTUM

Synonyms: boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, impulse, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast

Antonyms: counterincentive, disincentive

Related Words: inducement, invitation; antecedent, cause, consideration, grounds, motive, occasion, reason; catalyst, catalyzer, fuel, spark

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Other Physics Terms

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

Rhymes with MOMENTUM

cementum, omentum, per centum, tegmentum, tomentum