ergonomics

American  

[ur-guh-nom-iks] / ˌɜr gəˈnɒm ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the study of people's interaction with their work environment, especially when concerned with making that environment physically, mentally, and organizationally safe, comfortable, and efficient.

---

ergonomics British  

/ ɜːˈɡɒnəmɪst, ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪks /

noun

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

---

Grammar

See -ics.

Usage

What does ergonomics mean? Ergonomics is the study of the relationship between people and their working environment, especially the equipment they use. The field of ergonomics typically involves designing devices around the physical capabilities and comfort of the user. Such products, like desk chairs or computer accessories, are often described or marketed as ergonomic, indicating that they have been designed to minimize physical effort and discomfort and maximize efficiency. The term ergonomics is also sometimes used to refer to something’s ergonomic qualities, as in Our latest model features improved ergonomics. Ergonomics is sometimes also called human engineering or biotechnology (though biotechnology is more commonly used in reference to the use of microorganisms in manufacturing or other industrial processes). Example: When designing the steering wheel we kept highly accessible ergonomics in mind.

Other Word Forms

• ergonomist
  noun
• ergonometric
  adjective
• ergonomic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of ergonomics

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

Explanation

If you use scientific knowledge about body health to help design workplaces that keep workers healthy, then you work in the field of ergonomics. Ergonomics might remind you of economics, because it's a word that was invented to bring an efficiency-oriented type of thinking to the workplace. It breaks down to erg-, Greek for "work," and -nomic, Greek for "the laws of." Your special chair that prevents you from slouching and positions your hands at the perfect angle in relation to the keyboard was made by someone who works in ergonomics, which is why it was probably called an "ergonomic chair."

Example Sentences

Ergonomics: The height has it Any monitor worth your attention will have a stand that at least adjusts for height, usually along a range from 100 to 150 millimeters.

From The Verge • Jan. 17, 2022

Vivienne Fleischer, co-founder and president of Performance Based Ergonomics, a consulting firm in the San Francisco area, said her company faces a “tidal wave” of requests for virtual ergonomic help and advice.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 1, 2021

The chair is “an essential component” for body support, said Michelle Robertson, a lecturer at Northeastern University and the director of the Office Ergonomics Research Committee.

From New York Times • Aug. 7, 2020

Dramatic or not, my experience is typical, says Alan Hedge, director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University in Ithaca, N.Y.

From Washington Post • Jan. 4, 2019

He mentioned once or twice that he’d liked my symphonies, and he’d read my Ergonomics thesis on applying theme-park crowd-control techniques in urban settings, and liked what I had to say there.

From Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom by Doctorow, Cory