cybernetics

[ sahy-ber-net-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the study of automatic control and communication functions in both living organisms and mechanical and electronic systems, involving the application of statistical mechanics to feedback:

   During WW II, cybernetics was used to develop radar-controlled antiaircraft guns; today the field is working on prosthetic arms and legs linked directly to the human nervous system.

cybernetics

/ ˌsaɪbəˈnɛtɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular the branch of science concerned with control systems in electronic and mechanical devices and the extent to which useful comparisons can be made between man-made and biological systems See also feedback

cybernetics

/ sī′bər-nĕt′ĭks /

1. The scientific study of communication and control processes in biological, mechanical, and electronic systems. Research in cybernetics often involves the comparison of these processes in biological and artificial systems.

cybernetics

1. The general study of control and communication systems in living organisms and machines, especially the mathematical analysis of the flow of information. The term cybernetics was coined by Norbert Wiener, an American mathematician of the twentieth century.

Derived Forms

• ˌcyberˈnetic, adjective
• ˌcyberˈneticist, noun

Other Words From

• cy·ber·net·ic cy·ber·net·i·cal adjective
• cy·ber·net·i·cist cy·ber·ne·ti·cian [sahy-ber-ni-, tish, -, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of cybernetics¹

From Greek kybernḗtēs “helmsman, steersman” ( kybernē-, stem of kybernân “to steer” + -tēs agent suffix) + -ics; term introduced by Norbert Wiener in 1948

Word History and Origins

Origin of cybernetics¹

C20: from Greek kubernētēs steersman, from kubernan to steer, control

Example Sentences

As a student, Harbisson had met Plymouth University cybernetics expert Adam Montandon, who enabled him to "hear" colour using headphones, a webcam and laptop - transforming light waves into sounds.

From BBC

Mr. Hsu’s work is subtler, with flickers of surrealism, psychedelia and cybernetics.

From New York Times

But in so doing, all the sweeping assumptions underlying cybernetics are ignored, particularly the genesis of its development as a mathematical architecture of warfare and defense.

From Salon

Or a new framework will emerge from cybernetics, control theory, complexity and dynamical systems theory, semantics and semiotics.

From The Guardian

Later, Burnet was drawn to new metaphors taken from cybernetics and information theory.

From Nature