Archimedes' principle

noun

Ar·​chi·​me·​des' principle

variants or less commonly Archimedes' Principle

ˌär-kə-ˈmē-(ˌ)dēz-ˈprin(t)-sə-pəl,

-bəl

: a law of fluid mechanics: a body while wholly or partly immersed in a fluid apparently loses weight by an amount equal to that of the fluid displaced

Word History

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Kids Definition

Archimedes' principle

noun

Ar·​chi·​me·​des' principle

ˌär-kə-ˈmēd-ēz-

: a law of fluid mechanics: a body in a fluid is lifted up with a force equal to the weight of the fluid whose place was taken by the body