cybernetics

American  

[sahy-ber-net-iks] / ˌsaɪ bərˈnɛt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. the study of automatic control and communication functions in both living organisms and mechanical and electronic systems, involving the application of statistical mechanics to feedback.

   During WW II, cybernetics was used to develop radar-controlled antiaircraft guns; today the field is working on prosthetic arms and legs linked directly to the human nervous system.

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cybernetics British  

/ ˌsaɪbəˈnɛtɪks /

noun

1. (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 systems See also feedback

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cybernetics Scientific  

/ sī′bər-nĕt′ĭks /

1. 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.

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cybernetics Cultural  

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• cybernetic adjective
• cybernetical adjective
• cybernetician noun
• cyberneticist noun

Etymology

Origin of cybernetics

From Greek kybernḗtēs “helmsman, steersman” ( kybernē-, stem of kybernân “to steer” + -tēs agent suffix) + -ics; term introduced by Norbert Wiener in 1948

Example Sentences

Professor Warwick believes by 2050, advancements in cybernetics - the science studying the links between natural and mechanical systems - could lead to trailblazing treatments for diseases.

From BBC

The fundamental law of motion of cybernetics is that if you have a control system, it has to have at least as much complexity as the thing it's trying to control.

From Salon

The first is the stream of thought going back to Ross Ashby known as “management cybernetics,” which Davies clarifies.

From Salon

As a student, Harbisson had met Plymouth University cybernetics expert Adam Montandon, who enabled him to "hear" colour using headphones, a webcam and laptop - transforming light waves into sounds.

From BBC

Mr. Hsu’s work is subtler, with flickers of surrealism, psychedelia and cybernetics.

From New York Times