erg

[ 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

1870–75; <Greek érgonwork

Words nearby erg

Erevan, erewhile, Erewhon, erf, Erfurt, erg, ergate, ergative, ergatocracy, -ergic, ergo

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. 2023

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

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.