newton

new·ton

noun \ˈn(y)üt-^ən\

Definition of NEWTON

: the unit of force in the metric system equal to the force required to impart an acceleration of one meter per second per second to a mass of one kilogram

Biographical Note for NEWTON

Newton, Sir Isaac (1642–1727), British physicist and mathematician. One of the greatest figures in the history of science, Newton made great fundamental discoveries in mathematics and physical science including the method of fluxions (now known as differential calculus); laws concerning the composition of white light and the transmission of light through various media, upon which he built the foundation for the science of optics; and the law of gravitation. The newton unit of force was named in his honor in 1904.