cybernetics

noun

cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈne-tiks 

plural in form but singular in construction

: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (such as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)

cybernetic

ˌsī-bər-ˈne-tik 

adjective

or less commonly cybernetical

ˌsī-bər-ˈne-ti-kəl 

cybernetically

ˌsī-bər-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of cybernetics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Researchers’ experiment melded two fields that have track records of success: optogentics and cybernetics. —Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2014

Or Harrison Gilbertson’s pallid, shy cybernetics visionary Eron Keen in Upgrade, also from 2018. —Vulture, 11 Jan. 2022

Transhumanism isn't just about cybernetics and robot bodies. —Kyle Munkittrick, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2011

Similarly, sci-fi cures—especially cybernetics—are practically a trope at this point. —Eirik Gumeny, Wired, 31 Aug. 2021

That is, the overlap of psychedelics and cybernetics. —Javier Hasse, Forbes, 17 June 2022

Before shooting, the Wachowskis sent him to martial-arts training camp but also told him to read Baudrillard and books on evolutionary psychology and cybernetics. —Alex Pappademas, The New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2021

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Word History

Etymology

Greek kybernētēs pilot, governor (from kybernan to steer, govern) + English -ics

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cybernetics

noun

cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks 

: a science concerned especially with studies comparing automatic control systems (as that of the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)

cybernetic

-ˈnet-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

cybernetics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction

cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks 

: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)

cybernetic

-ik 

adjective

also cybernetical

-i-kəl 

cybernetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb