mechanical advantage

American  

noun

Mechanics.

1. the ratio of output force to the input force applied to a mechanism.

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mechanical advantage British  

noun

1. the ratio of the working force exerted by a mechanism to the applied effort

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mechanical advantage Scientific  

/ mĭ-kăn′ĭ-kəl /

1. The ratio of the output force (acting on a load) produced by a machine to the applied effort (the input force).

2. See also efficiency

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Etymology

Origin of mechanical advantage

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

After launching the new Alphafly version on Wednesday, Nike Chief Executive John Donahoe denied that the technology gives athletes a mechanical advantage.

From Reuters • Feb. 6, 2020

Figure 9.24 A nail puller is a lever with a large mechanical advantage.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

“I take the mechanical advantage when I can,” he said.

From Washington Times • Sep. 11, 2014

There had been talk of banning Pistorius from Olympic competition, because officials fear that his prostheses give him a mechanical advantage.

From Slate • Jul. 27, 2012

All these simple machines provide a mechanical advantage in moving a load.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton