mechanical advantage

American  

noun

Mechanics.

1. the ratio of output force to the input force applied to a mechanism.

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mechanical advantage British  

noun

1. the ratio of the working force exerted by a mechanism to the applied effort

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mechanical advantage Scientific  

/ mĭ-kăn′ĭ-kəl /

1. The ratio of the output force (acting on a load) produced by a machine to the applied effort (the input force).

2. See also efficiency

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Etymology

Origin of mechanical advantage

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

All these simple machines provide a mechanical advantage in moving a load.

From Literature

After launching the new Alphafly version on Wednesday, Nike Chief Executive John Donahoe denied that the technology gives athletes a mechanical advantage.

From Reuters

After launching the new shoe on Wednesday, Nike CEO John Donahoe said it did not give athletes a “mechanical advantage”.

From Reuters

The sport’s governing body World Athletics says it is comfortable that the technology gives no “mechanical advantage”.

From Reuters

In old world monkeys, the fabella can act as a kneecap, increasing the mechanical advantage of the muscle.

From BBC