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

“This is a real threat to the whole industry,” said Erik Severinson, Volvo’s chief commercial officer, noting the same dynamics are roiling the European auto market.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

A specialist in the political and economic dynamics of the Gulf, Mate Szalai, says this is helpful up to a point for foreign politicians and diplomats.

From BBC • May 25, 2026

This whole ecosystem is massively circular; and while those circular dynamics clearly have a lot of momentum, that, in itself, isn’t enough for medium-term sustainability.

From Barron's • May 23, 2026

The breakthrough unites two very different types of laser dynamics under a single model for the first time.

From Science Daily • May 21, 2026

“Music teachers naturally use gestures to indicate musical meaning in demonstrating dynamics, tempo, entrances/exits, standing up/sitting down, etc.,”

From "Music and the Child" by Natalie Sarrazin

Related Words

• act
• gesture
• passage