kinematics

[ kin-uh-mat-iks, kahy-nuh- ]

/ ˌkɪn əˈmæt ɪks, ˌkaɪ nə- /

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noun (used with a singular verb)Physics.

the branch of mechanics that deals with pure motion, without reference to the masses or forces involved in it.

Also called applied kinematics. the theory of mechanical contrivance for converting one kind of motion into another.

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Origin of kinematics

1830–40; <Greek kīnēmat- (stem of kī́nēma movement; see cinema) + -ics

OTHER WORDS FROM kinematics

kin·e·mat·ic, kin·e·mat·i·cal, adjectivekin·e·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use kinematics in a sentence

These combinations of pieces are known individually as kinematic pairs of elements, or briefly kinematic pairs.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 8|Various
Four links of this kind are shown in fig. 120 joined up to form a closed kinematic chain.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 8|Various
Kinematic pairs which have surface contact are classified as lower pairs.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 8|Various
Kinematic pairs in which contact takes place along a line only are classified as higher pairs.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 8|Various

The Joy valve gear mechanism is a good example of a compound kinematic chain.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 17, Slice 8|Various

British Dictionary definitions for kinematics

kinematics

/ (ˌkɪnɪˈmætɪks, ˌkaɪ-) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the study of the motion of bodies without reference to mass or forceCompare dynamics (def. 1)

Derived forms of kinematics

kinematic, adjectivekinematically, adverb

Word Origin for kinematics

C19: from Greek kinēma movement; see cinema, -ics

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 kinematics

kinematics

[ kĭn′ə-măt′ĭks ]

The branch of mechanics dealing with the study of the motion of a body or a system of bodies without consideration given to its mass or the forces acting on it.

Scientific definitions for kinematics

kinematics

[ kĭn′ə-măt′ĭks ]

The branch of physics that deals with the characteristics of motion without regard for the effects of forces or mass. Compare dynamics.