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

She obtained her bachelor’s degree at Columbia in 2003 and began graduate work in cybernetics.

From Literature

Think artificial intelligence, advanced robotics, self-driving cars, 3D printing, biotech, cybernetics and such.

From Slate

Since it was the 60s and the Vietnam War was exploding, Wegman wisely secured a deferment and went to the University of Illinois on a grant to study cybernetics.

From The Guardian

"From start-ups to space, communications to cybernetics, Israel's technological capabilities are merging with India's."

From Reuters

Or a new framework will emerge from cybernetics, control theory, complexity and dynamical systems theory, semantics and semiotics.

From The Guardian