dynamics

American  

[dahy-nam-iks] / daɪˈnæm ɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the branch of mechanics that deals with the motion and equilibrium of systems under the action of forces, usually from outside the system.

2. (used with a plural verb) the motivating or driving forces, physical or moral, in any field.

3. (used with a plural verb) the pattern or history of growth, change, and development in any field.

4. (used with a plural verb) variation and gradation in the volume of musical sound.

5. (used with a singular verb) psychodynamics.

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dynamics British  

/ daɪˈnæmɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics concerned with the forces that change or produce the motions of bodies Compare statics kinematics

2. (functioning as singular) the branch of mechanics that includes statics and kinetics See statics kinetics

3. (functioning as singular) the branch of any science concerned with forces

4. those forces that produce change in any field or system

5. music

   1. the various degrees of loudness called for in performance

   2. Also called: dynamic marks, dynamic markings. directions and symbols used to indicate degrees of loudness

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dynamics Scientific  

/ dī-năm′ĭks /

1. The branch of physics that deals with the effects of forces on the motions of bodies.

2. Also called kinetics

3. Compare kinematics

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Etymology

Origin of dynamics

First recorded in 1780–90; see origin at dynamic, -ics

Explanation

Dynamics refers to the branch of mechanics that deals with the movement of objects and the forces that drive that movement. If you're taking a physics class, you will likely study dynamics. Dynamics has its origins in the Greek word dynamis, "force, power." In physics, dynamics is the study of bodies in motion and changes in that motion, and that idea can be applied to other areas as well. For example, we refer to "group dynamics" as the way people interact and work together. George W. Bush once observed, "Globalization has altered the dynamics in the White House, as well as between the White House and the Treasury."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

dynamics

It is that coercive group dynamics can compel a remarkably wide range of harmful behavior.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2026

Wilson dismisses that comparison, arguing the "fundamental dynamics are completely different".

From BBC ● Oct. 7, 2026

Family dynamics run deep, and sorting through the complications involved in restricting a connection to the outside world or keeping tabs on an older person will look different for every household.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 6, 2026

Advanced X-ray techniques at the Linac Coherent Light Source at SLAC, combined with state-of-the-art quantum chemistry calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, provided an unusually detailed view.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026

And that her mom felt she could change the dynamics by again changing the circumstances and the setting.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel

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