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center of mass
noun phrase
: the point in a body or system of bodies at which the whole mass may be considered as concentrated
Examples of center of mass in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Moving the weight shifted the center of mass of the satellite, enabling operators on the ground to keep the satellite antennae facing earthward.
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IEEE Spectrum, 21 Jan. 2025
However, the existence of a white dwarf is not sufficient for a Type la supernova; the white draft must also be part of a binary star system, in which a pair of stars orbit a common center of mass.
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Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025
The system creates a stable bridge to the Falcon Tender's center of mass.
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Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024
If 10 humans make the same move, the center of mass would shift 28.5 centimeters.
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Rhett Allain, WIRED, 20 Dec. 2024
To enable this capability in a humanoid robot, the robot should have human-like mass, a center of mass position, and inertial moment of each link.
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Erico Guizzo, IEEE Spectrum, 2 June 2017
At the same time, the speed of warfare continues to accelerate, and space systems have become the center of mass around which all aspects of the fighting forces must be communicated, informed, and directed.
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Charles Beames, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024
The final test is the dynamics testing suite, a platform that precisely measures the center of mass of a satellite with incredible precision.
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Jonathan O’Callaghan, WIRED, 14 Aug. 2024
The standard logic for packing a backpack is that anything heavy should sit as close as possible to your center of mass.
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Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1862, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near center of mass
Cite this Entry
“Center of mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center%20of%20mass. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
center of mass
: the point in a body or system of bodies at which the whole mass can be thought of as concentrated
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