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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
11870–75; <Greek érgonwork
Words nearby erg
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
21870–75; <French <Arabic ʾirq
Other definitions for erg (3 of 3)
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)
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
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