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erg

1
[ urg ]
/ ɜrg /
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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.
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Origin of erg

1
1870–75; <Greek érgonwork

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

2
1870–75; <French <Arabic ʾirq

Other definitions for erg (3 of 3)

ERG

abbreviation
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use erg in a sentence

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

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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