reduced mass

noun

, Mechanics.

1. a quantity obtained when one particle is moving about another, larger particle that is also moving, equivalent to the mass of the smaller particle, were the larger particle not moving, and equal to the quotient of the product of the two masses divided by their sum.

Word History and Origins

Origin of reduced mass¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

With reduced mass, shelves cannot as readily hold back advancing glaciers behind them, and more ice flows into the ocean, raising sea levels faster.

From Scientific American

She touts herself as a “progressive prosecutor” who reduced mass incarceration by increasing programs to re-route criminals to rehabilitation outside prison.

From Los Angeles Times

The overhauls, Ms. Ardern said, are inspired partly by what Australia set in motion after a mass shooting there in 1996: a mix of buybacks, registration and outright bans that severely reduced mass shootings.

From New York Times

Experts say any further tsunami triggered by the volcano would be less severe due to its reduced mass.

From The Guardian

But experts now say another potential tsunami triggered by the volcano collapsing again would be less severe due to its reduced mass.

From Washington Times