kinetic energy

noun

: energy associated with motion

Examples of kinetic energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Grid power or solar panels run a constantly spinning rotor inside a unit about the size of a dishwasher, converting the power into kinetic energy that can be reconverted back into electricity in the case of a power outage. Chris Stokel-Walker, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024 Some companies have been working on tethers, essentially long metal strips that would fly behind satellites and convert their kinetic energy into electrical energy, slowing the satellite and sending it downward. Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 28 Oct. 2024 Most any Earth-threatening asteroid is going to be coming in really fast, carrying a lot of kinetic energy. Lee Billings, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2024 In theory, the kinetic energy could push the object away from its collision course with Earth. David Bressan, Forbes, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for kinetic energy 

Word History

First Known Use

1870, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kinetic energy was in 1870

Dictionary Entries Near kinetic energy

Cite this Entry

“Kinetic energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kinetic%20energy. Accessed 16 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

kinetic energy

noun
: energy associated with motion

Medical Definition

kinetic energy

noun
: energy associated with motion

More from Merriam-Webster on kinetic energy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!