kinetic

¹

[ ki-net-ik, kahy- ]

adjective

1. pertaining to motion.
2. caused by motion.
3. characterized by movement:

   Running and dancing are kinetic activities.

-kinetic

²

1. a combining form found on adjectives that correspond to nouns ending in -kinesia or -kinesis:

   bradykinetic.

kinetic

/ kaɪ-; kɪˈnɛtɪk /

adjective

1. relating to, characterized by, or caused by motion

Derived Forms

• kiˈnetically, adverb

Other Words From

• ki·neti·cal·ly adverb
• nonki·netic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kinetic¹

1850–55; < Greek kīnētikós moving, equivalent to kīnē- (verbid stem of kīneîn to move) + -tikos -tic

Origin of kinetic²

< Greek kīnēt ( ós ) ( kineto- ) + -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of kinetic¹

C19: from Greek kinētikos, from kinein to move

Example Sentences

Another member of the Legislature, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez, is the author of a measure to ban the use of police kinetic projectiles and chemical agents to disperse protests.

From Voice of San Diego

Another bill by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez sought to ban the use of police kinetic projectiles and chemical agents to disperse protests.

From Voice of San Diego

The bill largely bans the use of police kinetic projectiles and chemical agents to disperse protests.

From Voice of San Diego

Now the Pacers have the 6-foot-5 Brogdon back from injury to join with 6-foot-11 Domantas Sabonis, an artist who plays in waltz time, although losing the kinetic LeVert deprives them of their trio of 20-point scorers.

From Washington Post

At the latter, all eyes are on the colorful, elaborate, wildly kinetic constructions darting through the sky.

From Quanta Magazine

What looks like filthy chaos at the moment is actually the  kinetic energy that gives birth to modern metropolises.

From The Daily Beast

And she's walking, head bobbing, with an odd kinetic purpose, behind other people's camera shots.

From The Daily Beast

There was a kinetic energy, a vibrancy that leapt off the screen that did, indeed, dazzle.

From The Daily Beast

An opening that features something kinetic seems to work pretty often.

From The Daily Beast

In the early 2000s, Dutschke joined a Tupelo studio called Kinetic Kick owned by Noel McMichael.

From The Daily Beast

The laws of gases, it is known, are in accord with the two simple assumptions of the kinetic theory.

From Project Gutenberg

This represents, therefore, the pressure of such a gas, as calculated on the basis of the assumptions of the kinetic theory.

From Project Gutenberg

It is therefore natural to look for the cause of osmotic pressure in kinetic phenomena and not in attractions.

From Project Gutenberg

When a pendulum is vibrating, there is a continual transformation of potential into kinetic energy, and vice versa.

From Project Gutenberg

This energy, potential or latent in the coal, becomes kinetic and evident in the heat of the boiler and the work of the engine.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• animated
• lively
• peppy