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

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

This kinetic mentality can get out of hand, as it did in 2017.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• animated
• lively
• peppy