erg

[ urg ]

/ ɜrg /

Save This Word!

noun Physics.

the centimeter-gram-second unit of work or energy, equal to the work done by a force of one dyne when its point of application moves through a distance of one centimeter in the direction of the force; 10−7 joule.

QUIZ

ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?

We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.

Question 1 of 8

Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?

navy

beryl

azure

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Meet Grammar Coach

Write or paste your essay, email, or story into Grammar Coach and get grammar help

Improve Your Writing

Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing

Origin of erg

1870–75; <Greek érgonwork

Words nearby erg

Erevan, erewhile, Erewhon, erf, Erfurt, erg, ergasia, ergastoplasm, ergate, ergative, ergatocracy

Other definitions for erg (2 of 3)

erg²

[ erg ]

/ ɛrg /

noun Geology.

a vast area covered with sand and shifting dunes, as parts of the Sahara Desert.

Origin of erg

1870–75; <French <Arabic ʾirq

Other definitions for erg (3 of 3)

ERG

abbreviation

electroretinogram.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

How to use erg in a sentence

Cu scrt Porcia Nn est inquit hc temerrium14 factum meum, sed in tl stat nostr me25 erg t amris certissimum indicium.
Selections from Viri Romae|Charles Franois L'Homond
Back ercross I goes erg'in, an' ther pork keeps right on my trail.
Ted Strong's Motor Car|Edward C. Taylor
The unit of work is that which is required to overcome a resistance of a dyne over a centimetre, and is called an Erg.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 3|Various
Our horses were brought to the door, and we rode, accompanied by our guard and an interpreter, to the Erg Palace.
At the Court of the Amr|John Alfred Gray

Accordingly, I gathered myself together, mounted my horse, and rode slowly to the Erg Palace.
At the Court of the Amr|John Alfred Gray

British Dictionary definitions for erg (1 of 3)

erg¹

/ (ɜːɡ) /

noun

the cgs unit of work or energy. 1 erg is equivalent to 10 –7 joule

Word Origin for erg

C19: from Greek ergon work

British Dictionary definitions for erg (2 of 3)

erg²

/ (ɜːɡ) /

noun plural ergs or areg

an area of shifting sand dunes in a desert, esp the Sahara

Word Origin for erg

C19: from Arabic `irj

British Dictionary definitions for erg (3 of 3)

erg³

/ (ɜːɡ) /

noun

informal short for ergometer (def. 2)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for erg (1 of 2)

erg

[ ûrg ]

The centimeter-gram-second unit of energy or work equal to the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter.

Medical definitions for erg (2 of 2)

ERG

abbr.

electroretinogram

Scientific definitions for erg (1 of 2)

erg¹

[ ûrg ]

The unit of energy or work in the centimeter-gram-second system, equal to the force of one dyne over a distance of one centimeter. This unit has been mostly replaced by the joule.

Scientific definitions for erg (2 of 2)

erg²

[ ûrg ]

An extensive area of desert covered with shifting sand dunes.