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• erg
  erg

  noun

  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.
• ERG
  ERG

  abbreviation

  electroretinogram.

erg

¹ American  

[urg] / ɜrg /

noun

Physics.

1. 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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erg ² American  

[erg] / ɛrg /

noun

Geology.

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

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ERG ³ American  

abbreviation

1. electroretinogram.

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erg ¹ British  

/ ɜːɡ /

noun

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

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erg ² British  

/ ɜːɡ /

noun

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

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erg ³ British  

/ ɜːɡ /

noun

1. informal short for ergometer

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erg ¹ Scientific  

/ ûrg /

1. 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.

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erg ² Scientific  

/ ûrg /

1. An extensive area of desert covered with shifting sand dunes.

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Etymology

Origin of erg¹

1870–75; < Greek érgon work

Origin of erg²

1870–75; < French < Arabic ʾirq

Example Sentences

Georgia Tech’s Web of Brilliance ERG provides “low-pressure” ways for introverts to connect, including a summer book club and craftsmaking workshops, said Skye Duckett, chief human resources officer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025

"After analysing the genes regulated by ERG and another protein, c-MYC, we discovered that these proteins were actually the master regulators of several important pathways and processes within the leukaemia cell."

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024

Assoc Prof Ng has spent over a decade researching a protein that regulates gene activity in the cell nucleus, known as ERG.

From Science Daily • Mar. 14, 2024

However, the ERG has often punched above its weight, and numerous leading lights have gone on to bigger things - including Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg and Suella Braverman.

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2023

But if you can be content to eat a very little— ERG.

From The Captiva and the Mostellaria by Riley, Henry T. (Henry Thomas)