kinetic energy

[ ki-net-ik en-er-jee, kahy-net-ik ]

noun

, Physics.

1. the energy of a body or a system with respect to the motion of the body or of the particles in the system. Compare potential energy.

kinetic energy

noun

1. the energy of motion of a body, equal to the work it would do if it were brought to rest The translational kinetic energy depends on motion through space, and for a rigid body of constant mass is equal to the product of half the mass times the square of the speed. The rotational kinetic energy depends on rotation about an axis, and for a body of constant moment of inertia is equal to the product of half the moment of inertia times the square of the angular velocity. In relativistic physics kinetic energy is equal to the product of the increase of mass caused by motion times the square of the speed of light. The SI unit is the joule but the electronvolt is often used in atomic physics EkKT KE

kinetic energy

/ kə-nĕt′ĭk /

1. The energy possessed by a system or object as a result of its motion. The kinetic energy of objects with mass is dependent upon the velocity and mass of the object, while the energy of waves depends on their velocity, frequency, and amplitude, as well as the density of the medium if there is one (as with ocean waves).
2. Compare potential energy

kinetic energy

1. The energy an object has because of its motion.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kinetic energy¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Without a braced front knee the kinetic energy within that process is lost and the ball is released without the same zip and nip you hear bowlers talk about.

From BBC

Though convection is the main driver, the fronts account for a quarter of the total kinetic energy powering Jupiter's cyclones and forty percent of the vertical heat transport.

From Science Daily

As a result, less heat is released from the oceans and into the atmosphere, leading to increased kinetic energy and a more meandering jet stream.

From Science Daily

The first limit, termed the 'kinetic energy capacity limit', suggests that the muscles of smaller animals are restrained by how quickly they can contract.

From Science Daily

“At this time in the investigation, it is believed the suspect sustained significant injury to the chest area as a result of the use of the less-lethal kinetic energy projectile,” the Fullerton Police Department said.

From Los Angeles Times