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

Lloyd’s “Sunset Blvd.,” by contrast, blasts away with impunity to create a vastly different experience — a kinetic multimedia concert, in which Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music and Don Black and Christopher Hampton’s lyrics are freed from the procedural nature of Black and Hampton’s book.

From Los Angeles Times

There was a kinetic writing that went along with Norman’s personality.

From Salon

Mossad also sees it as its duty to “translate the intelligence it collects into what they call kinetic or aggressive or physical operations”, he says, including “explosives, sabotage, targeted killings”.

From BBC

UC Berkeley is requesting four new drones, a “kinetic breaching tool” to force open locked doors, another hazardous devices robot and 300 more sponge rounds.

From Los Angeles Times

Coldplay have said their 12-step plan - including eye-catching initiatives like a kinetic dancefloor and electricity-generating bicycles - cut the carbon emissions of their last world tour by 59%.

From BBC

Related Words

• animated
• lively
• peppy