center of mass
noun phrase
: the point in a body or system of bodies at which the whole mass may be considered as concentrated
Examples of center of mass in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The center of mass would move 2.9 centimeters from its previous position.
—
Rhett Allain, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024
The approximate location of the center of pressure is denoted by a dot in the upper left diagram; the distance from it to the robot’s center of mass is given by r cp.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Feb. 2019
Powered by three solar panels, the spacecraft was designed to stick the landing with shock-absorbing feet, a low center of mass and a wide footprint, according to Firefly Aerospace.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
Coogan said Blue Ghost's designers intentionally chose a shape for the spacecraft that puts the center of mass as low to the ground as possible.
—Kristin Shaw, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
This adaptation, central to the aerodynamic efficiency of modern birds, shifts the center of mass forward, allowing for more agile flight.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Moving the weight shifted the center of mass of the satellite, enabling operators on the ground to keep the satellite antennae facing earthward.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2025
However, the existence of a white dwarf is not sufficient for a Type la supernova; the white draft must also be part of a binary star system, in which a pair of stars orbit a common center of mass.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
The system creates a stable bridge to the Falcon Tender's center of mass.
—Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Rhett Allain, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024
The approximate location of the center of pressure is denoted by a dot in the upper left diagram; the distance from it to the robot’s center of mass is given by r cp.
—IEEE Spectrum, 14 Feb. 2019
Powered by three solar panels, the spacecraft was designed to stick the landing with shock-absorbing feet, a low center of mass and a wide footprint, according to Firefly Aerospace.
—Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 2 Mar. 2025
Coogan said Blue Ghost's designers intentionally chose a shape for the spacecraft that puts the center of mass as low to the ground as possible.
—Kristin Shaw, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025
This adaptation, central to the aerodynamic efficiency of modern birds, shifts the center of mass forward, allowing for more agile flight.
—Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025
Moving the weight shifted the center of mass of the satellite, enabling operators on the ground to keep the satellite antennae facing earthward.
—IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2025
However, the existence of a white dwarf is not sufficient for a Type la supernova; the white draft must also be part of a binary star system, in which a pair of stars orbit a common center of mass.
—Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
The system creates a stable bridge to the Falcon Tender's center of mass.
—Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Center of mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center%20of%20mass. Accessed 4 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share