cybernetics

[ sahy-ber-net-iks ]

/ ˌsaɪ bərˈnɛt ɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb)

the study of human control functions and of mechanical and electronic systems designed to replace them, involving the application of statistical mechanics to communication engineering.

Nearby words

Origin of cybernetics

< Greek kybernḗt(ēs) helmsman, steersman (kybernē-, variant stem of kybernân to steer + -tēs agent suffix) + -ics; term introduced by Norbert Wiener in 1948

Related formscy·ber·net·ic, cy·ber·net·i·cal, adjectivecy·ber·net·i·cal·ly, adverbcy·ber·net·i·cist, cy·ber·ne·ti·cian

[sahy-ber-ni-tish-uh n] /ˌsaɪ bər nɪˈtɪʃ ən/, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cybernetic

Rocket has a “cybernetic skeletal structure, enhanced phalange and metacarpal bones, and a genetically augmented cerebral cortex.”
11 Things to Know About Bradley Cooper’s Rocket Raccoon in Guardians of the Galaxy|Marina Watts|February 19, 2014|DAILY BEAST
There was a lot of cybernetic and robotic equipment, and astrogational equipment, that had to be made from scratch.
The Cosmic Computer|Henry Beam Piper
If cybernetic remotes functioned operationally at this distance we wouldn't have to send men at all.
Measure for a Loner|James Judson Harmon
It's equipped with what you might call a cybernetic brain—although that's pretty inadequate as a description.
Pagan Passions|Gordon Randall Garrett

Isn't that the created thing which the cybernetic system tries to follow?
Human Error|Raymond F. Jones
It might easily increase the reliance of Earthfolk upon their cybernetic monsters.
The Ambassador|Samuel Kimball Merwin

British Dictionary definitions for cybernetic

cybernetics

/ (ˌsaɪbəˈnɛtɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the branch of science concerned with control systems in electronic and mechanical devices and the extent to which useful comparisons can be made between man-made and biological systemsSee also feedback (def. 1)

Derived Formscybernetic, adjectivecyberneticist, noun

Word Origin for cybernetics

C20: from Greek kubernētēs steersman, from kubernan to steer, control

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cybernetic

cybernetic

adj.

1951, back-formation from cybernetics. Greek kybernetikos meant "good at steering."

cybernetics

coined 1948 by U.S. mathematician Norbert Wiener (1894-1964) from Greek kybernetes "steersman" (metaphorically "guide, governor") + -ics; perhaps based on 1830s French cybernétique "the art of governing."

The future offers very little hope for those who expect that our new mechanical slaves will offer us a world in which we may rest from thinking. Help us they may, but at the cost of supreme demands upon our honesty and our intelligence. [Norbert Weiner, "God and Golem, Inc.," 1964]

Medicine definitions for cybernetic

cybernetics

[ sī′bər-nĕt′ĭks ]

n.

The theoretical study of communication and control processes in biological, mechanical, and electronic systems, especially the comparison of these processes in biological and artificial systems.

Science definitions for cybernetic

cybernetics

[ sī′bər-nĕt′ĭks ]

The scientific study of communication and control processes in biological, mechanical, and electronic systems. Research in cybernetics often involves the comparison of these processes in biological and artificial systems.

Culture definitions for cybernetic

cybernetics

[ (seye-buhr-net-iks) ]

The general study of control and communication systems in living organisms and machines, especially the mathematical analysis of the flow of information. The term cybernetics was coined by Norbert Wiener, an American mathematician of the twentieth century.