biomechanics

American  

[bahy-oh-mi-kan-iks] / ˌbaɪ oʊ mɪˈkæn ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. Medicine/Medical.

   1. the study of the action of external and internal forces on the living body, especially on the skeletal system.

   2. the development of prostheses.

2. Biology. the study of the mechanical nature of biological processes, as heart action and muscle movement.

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biomechanics British  

/ ˌbaɪəʊmɪˈkænɪks /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) the study of the mechanics of the movement of living organisms

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biomechanics Scientific  

/ bī′ō-mĭ-kăn′ĭks /

1. The scientific study of the role of mechanics in biological systems. The study of biomechanics includes the analysis of motion in animals, the fluid dynamics of blood, and the role of mechanical processes in the development of disease.

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Other Word Forms

• biomechanical adjective
• biomechanically adverb

Etymology

Origin of biomechanics

First recorded in 1930–35; bio- + mechanics

Example Sentences

Golf’s biomechanics, involving quick twisting and ground forces, place significant strain on the body, causing musculoskeletal injuries in over half of golfers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

"Tendons are fundamentally susceptible to overuse," explains Jess Snedeker, a professor of orthopaedic biomechanics at ETH Zurich and Balgrist University Hospital in Zurich.

From Science Daily • Feb. 12, 2026

Grip specialist Matt Daly paid the price as the American player brought in biomechanics expert Gavin MacMillan, who helped rival Aryna Sabalenka overcome her serving yips.

From BBC • Aug. 28, 2025

The physical therapist, who specializes in treatment, diagnoses and biomechanics in gymnastics, has watched Biles train for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 23, 2024

His understanding of the details of the sport—the physics of water, wood, and wind; the biomechanics of muscle and bone—was unmatched.

From "The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics" by Daniel James Brown