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ergonomics

[ ur-guh-nom-iks ]
/ ˌɜr gəˈnɒm ɪks /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR ergonomics ON THESAURUS.COM

noun (used with a singular or plural verb)

human engineering.

Words related to ergonomics

cushy, appropriate, livable, fitting, comfortable, cozy, convenient, ample, aligning

Words nearby ergonomics

ergocalciferol, ergodic, ergograph, ergometer, ergonomic, ergonomics, ergonovine, ergophobia, ergosterol, ergot, ergotamine

Origin of ergonomics

1945–50; ergo-1 + -nomics (see -nomy, -ics) on the model of agronomics, bionomics, etc.

OTHER WORDS FROM ergonomics

er·go·nom·ic, er·go·no·met·ric [ur-guh-nuh-me-trik] /ˌɜr gə nəˈmɛ trɪk/, adjectiveer·go·nom·i·cal·ly, adverber·gon·o·mist [ur-gon-uh-mist] /ɜrˈgɒn ə mɪst/, noun

usage note for ergonomics

See -ics.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for ergonomic

  • Two of them -- Severe Haircut woman and utility belt man -- looked at me from their ergonomic super-chairs.

    Little Brother|Cory Doctorow

British Dictionary definitions for ergonomic (1 of 2)

ergonomic
/ (ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪk) /

adjective

of or relating to ergonomics
designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort, and hence maximize efficiency

British Dictionary definitions for ergonomic (2 of 2)

ergonomics
/ (ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the study of the relationship between workers and their environment, esp the equipment they useAlso called: biotechnology

Derived forms of ergonomics

ergonomist (ɜːˈɡɒnəmɪst), noun

Word Origin for ergonomics

C20: from Greek ergon work + (eco) nomics
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 ergonomic

ergonomics
[ ûr′gə-nŏm′ĭks ]

n.

The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Scientific definitions for ergonomic

ergonomics
[ ûr′gə-nŏm′ĭks ]

The scientific study of equipment design, as in office furniture or transportation seating, for the purpose of improving efficiency, comfort, or safety.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Cultural definitions for ergonomic

ergonomics
[ (ur-guh-nom-iks) ]

The technology concerned with the design, manufacture, and arrangement of products and environments to be safe, healthy, and comfortable for human beings.

notes for ergonomics

The term is most often encountered in discussions of the design of furniture, tools, and other things built to be used by humans.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.