pneumatic

[ noo-mat-ik, nyoo- ]

See synonyms for pneumatic on Thesaurus.com

adjective

of or relating to air, gases, or wind.
of or relating to pneumatics.

operated by air or by the pressure or exhaustion of air: a pneumatic drill.
filled with or containing compressed air, as a tire.
equipped with pneumatic tires.
Theology. of or relating to the spirit; spiritual.
Zoology. containing air or air cavities.

noun

a pneumatic tire.
a vehicle having wheels with such tires.

Origin of pneumatic

First recorded in 1650–60; from Latin pneumaticus “pertaining to air; powered by wind or air,” from Greek pneumatikós “pertaining to air, breath or wind; powered by wind or air; spiritual,” equivalent to pneumat- (stem of pneûma) + -ikos; see origin at pneuma,-ic

Other words from pneumatic

pneu·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
pneu·ma·tic·i·ty [noo-muh-tis-i-tee, nyoo-], /ˌnu məˈtɪs ɪ ti, ˌnyu-/, noun
non·pneu·mat·ic, adjective
non·pneu·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb
sem·i·pneu·mat·ic, adjective
un·pneu·mat·ic, adjective
un·pneu·mat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Words Nearby pneumatic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use pneumatic in a sentence

Electric ones move more smoothly than pneumatic models and require just a single press of a button to raise and lower.
Best adjustable desks: Stand or sit with double-duty office furniture | PopSci Commerce Team | February 26, 2021 | Popular-Science
With pneumatic desks, you press down a lever to activate a gas cylinder that causes the desk to go up or down.
Best adjustable desks: Stand or sit with double-duty office furniture | PopSci Commerce Team | February 26, 2021 | Popular-Science
Just as I might prefer a hefty 28-ounce hammer to your trusty 16-ounce one, or holster that big banger for a pneumatic palm nailer in a tight spot, personal preference and lifestyle are important when making a choice.
Eight masks that make great stocking stuffers | John Kennedy | December 10, 2020 | Popular-Science
Random orbital sanders can be corded, cordless, or pneumatic-powered for people with compressors in their wood shops.
Reliable random orbital sanders for your workshop | PopSci Commerce Team | October 9, 2020 | Popular-Science
This pneumatic-powered orbital sander requires an air compressor, so it might not be great for casual woodworkers.
Reliable random orbital sanders for your workshop | PopSci Commerce Team | October 9, 2020 | Popular-Science

My current wife has no need for a jealous bone in her pneumatic body.
Charles Saatchi Answers Your Questions | The Daily Beast | May 31, 2010 | THE DAILY BEAST
The pneumatic action used by Willis, Cavaill-Coll and a score of other builders leaves little to be desired.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller
Many of the pneumatic actions made to-day, however, are disappointing in these particulars.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller
Undoubtedly the first improvements to be named must be the pneumatic and electro-pneumatic actions.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller
As before stated, Cavaill-Coll and Willis worked as pioneers in perfecting and in introducing the pneumatic action.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller
No tubular-pneumatic action is entirely satisfactory when the distance between the keys and the organ is great.
The Recent Revolution in Organ Building | George Laing Miller

British Dictionary definitions for pneumatic

pneumatic

/ (njʊˈmætɪk) /

adjective

of or concerned with air, gases, or wind: Compare hydraulic
(of a machine or device) operated by compressed air or by a vacuum: a pneumatic drill; pneumatic brakes

containing compressed air: a pneumatic tyre
of or concerned with pneumatics
theol
- of or relating to the soul or spirit
- of or relating to the Holy Ghost or other spiritual beings
(of the bones of birds) containing air spaces which reduce their weight as an adaptation to flying
informal (of a woman) well rounded, esp with a large bosom

noun

short for pneumatic tyre

Origin of pneumatic

C17: from Late Latin pneumaticus of air or wind, from Greek pneumatikos of air or breath, from pneuma

Derived forms of pneumatic

pneumatically, adverb

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 pneumatic

pneumatic

[ nōō-măt′ĭk ]

Relating to gases, especially air.
Filled with or operated by compressed air. Pneumatic machines often involve the transmission of force through air pressure in pipes or tubes. See also hydraulic.

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