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
Pneumatic means filled with or operated by compressed air.
In general, pneumatic means related to air or wind, and pneumatics is the branch of physics that deals with the properties of air. But the adjective pneumatic is most commonly applied to machines that work by using compressed air or a vacuum, like pneumatic brakes or a pneumatic drill (also called a jackhammer).
Example: The bank uses a pneumatic tube so you can deposit your checks without going in.
Where does pneumatic come from?
The first records of pneumatic come from the 1600s. It comes from the Latin pneumaticus, which is from the Greek pneumatikós, meaning “air,” “breath,” or “spirit.” The root pneum- and similar roots are used in words related to wind or the lungs, such as pneumonia.
Machines that are powered by air are sometimes labeled air-powered, but devices called pneumatic usually work with compressed air. Such machines typically work by transmission force through air pressure in pipes or tubes. For example, pneumatic tubes were once popular for transporting document-filled containers throughout a building. In this system, things like mail, checks, and other small objects could be sent quickly from one part of an office building to another by placing the item in a container and then placing the container inside the tube, where it would be whisked away by the power of air. Car tires and bicycle tires are sometimes called pneumatic tires because they’re filled with compressed air.
Machines and systems that operate through the pressure created by water or another liquid are called hydraulic. A machine that uses a combination of pneumatic and hydraulic power is called pneudraulic.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to pneumatic?
pneumatically (adverb)
pneumaticity (noun)
nonpneumatic (adjective)
nonpneumatically (adverb)
What are some synonyms for pneumatic?
air-powered
What are some words that share a root or word element with pneumatic?
Pneumatic is almost always used in a mechanical sense, the same as one would discuss hydraulics or pulley systems. The spiritual use will be used in deeply thought out theological discussion.
Back in London! Trying to imagine the traffic noises are ocean waves and the pneumatic drill is a particularly energetic seagull
Is there any reason pneumatic tires can’t be used for space exploration? or are they just not used for weight reasons? after all the shuttle had pneumatic tires in a vacuum, they just weren’t used there
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.
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.