kinematics
noun
ki·ne·mat·ics
ˌki-nə-ˈma-tiks 
also
ˌkī-
plural in form but singular in construction
: a branch of dynamics that deals with aspects of motion apart from considerations of mass and force
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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Kinematics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinematics. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
kinematics
noun, plural in form but singular in construction
ki·ne·mat·ics
ˌkin-ə-ˈmat-iks
ˌkī-nə-
ˌkī-nə-
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
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