First Known Use: 1610
Dictionary
momentum
noun mo·men·tum \mō-ˈmen-təm, mə-\
: the strength or force that something has when it is moving
: the strength or force that allows something to continue or to grow stronger or faster as time passes
physics : the property that a moving object has due to its mass and its motion
plural mo·men·ta \-ˈmen-tə\ or momentums
Full Definition of MOMENTUM
1
: a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity; broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment
2
: strength or force gained by motion or by a series of events
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Origin of MOMENTUM
New Latin, from Latin, movement
Related to MOMENTUM
- Synonyms
- boost, encouragement, goad, impetus, incentive, incitation, incitement, instigation, impulse, motivation, provocation, spur, stimulant, stimulus, yeast
- Antonyms
- counterincentive, disincentive
Other Physics Terms
Rhymes with MOMENTUM
MOMENTUM Defined for Kids
momentum
noun mo·men·tum \mō-ˈmen-təm\
Definition of MOMENTUM for Kids
: the force that a moving body has because of its weight and motion
Medical Dictionary
momentum
noun mo·men·tum \mō-ˈment-əm, mə-ˈment-\
plural mo·men·ta \-ˈment-ə\ or momentums
Medical Definition of MOMENTUM
: a property of a moving body that the body has by virtue of its mass and motion and that is equal to the product of the body's mass and velocity; broadly : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force
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