kinetic energy

[ki-net-ik en-er-jee, kahy-net-ik]

noun

Physics.

1. the energy of a body or a system with respect to the motion of the body or of the particles in the system.

kinetic energy

noun

1. Ek.  K.  T.  KE. the energy of motion of a body, equal to the work it would do if it were brought to rest The translational kinetic energy depends on motion through space, and for a rigid body of constant mass is equal to the product of half the mass times the square of the speed. The rotational kinetic energy depends on rotation about an axis, and for a body of constant moment of inertia is equal to the product of half the moment of inertia times the square of the angular velocity. In relativistic physics kinetic energy is equal to the product of the increase of mass caused by motion times the square of the speed of light. The SI unit is the joule but the electronvolt is often used in atomic physics

kinetic energy

1. The energy possessed by a system or object as a result of its motion. The kinetic energy of objects with mass is dependent upon the velocity and mass of the object, while the energy of waves depends on their velocity, frequency, and amplitude, as well as the density of the medium if there is one (as with ocean waves).

2. Compare potential energy

kinetic energy

1. The energy an object has because of its motion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kinetic energy¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martínez, who represents District 13, is pushing for regulations that would prohibit the Los Angeles Police Department from using “kinetic energy projectiles” or “chemical agents” unless officers are threatened with physical violence.

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He brought both a rough male texture to his direction and a kinetic energy that matched the violence of life in medieval Japan.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"This model allows us to program the shape we want to create, how stable it is, and how powerful it can be when stored potential energy is allowed to snap into kinetic energy," says Hong.

Read more on Science Daily

It is his sprinting prowess in particular that his rivals pinpoint as a defining factor, with the higher approach speed generating greater kinetic energy and creating the foundation for greater heights.

Read more on BBC

The faster athletes move, the greater kinetic energy they produce.

Read more on BBC