kinematics

noun

ki·​ne·​mat·​ics ˌki-nə-ˈma-tiks How to pronounce kinematics (audio)
also
ˌkī- How to pronounce kinematics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: a branch of dynamics that deals with aspects of motion apart from considerations of mass and force
kinematic adjective
or kinematical
ˌki-nə-ˈma-ti-kəl How to pronounce kinematics (audio)
 also  ˌkī-
kinematically adverb

Examples of kinematics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Based on their observations, Claeyssens’ team will now study the kinematics, or motion, and other properties of the gas, not just as a whole, but across the halo. Alison Klesman, Discover Magazine, 27 June 2019 Seatmakers call this kinematics: the parts that move. John Walton, CNN, 9 Jan. 2023 In tackling the exercise, the students applied concepts of kinematics — like displacement, as well as speed, velocity and acceleration — while modeling out the race using spreadsheets. Alex Orlando, Discover Magazine, 7 Apr. 2022 And while the craft may not be the fastest or most practical ride, the team is working to improve the craft by decreasing the weight, increasing the efficiency, and improving the wing kinematics. Discover Magazine, 30 Sep. 2010 Differences between fore- and rearfoot strike running patterns based on kinetics and kinematics. Tom Michaud, Outside Online, 1 Aug. 2018 Both before and after this intervention, the researchers measured peak strength of the hip abductor muscles on both sides, the degree of genu valgum, stride-to-stride variability of knee kinematics during running and pain ratings. Matt Fitzgerald, Outside Online, 20 Sep. 2018 Your Your Arms Affect Your Legs… Your entire body works together during the running stride in what is called whole-body kinematics. Jon-Erik Kawamoto, Outside Online, 6 Nov. 2019 The researchers also studied the lift off and landing of A. ipsilon in addition to their wingbeats and other kinematics. Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, 16 June 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'kinematics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

French cinématique, from Greek kinēmat-, kinēma motion, from kinein to move

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinematics was in 1840

Dictionary Entries Near kinematics

Cite this Entry

“Kinematics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinematics. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

kinematics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction
ki·​ne·​mat·​ics ˌkin-ə-ˈmat-iks How to pronounce kinematics (audio) ˌkī-nə- How to pronounce kinematics (audio)
variants also cinematics
1
: a branch of physics that deals with aspects of motion apart from considerations of mass and force
2
: the properties and phenomena of an object or system in motion of interest to kinematics
the kinematics of the human ankle joint
kinematic adjective
or kinematical
kinematically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on kinematics

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