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.
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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
OTHER WORDS FROM cybernetics
cy·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-uhn], /ˌsaɪ bər nɪˈtɪʃ ən/, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for cybernetics
British Dictionary definitions for cybernetics
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 forms of cybernetics
cybernetic, adjectivecyberneticist, nounWord 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
Medical definitions for cybernetics
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.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for cybernetics
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for cybernetics
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.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.