Etymologically
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dynamics

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 14:49. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /dʌɪˈnamɪks/, /dəˈnamɪks/ (UK); /dɑɪˈnæm.ɪks/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is from French dynamique, the noun use of the adjective,[2] formed in English from dynamic and -ics.[3]

Earliest recorded meaning

The branch of physics dealing with the action of forces on motion: about 1789 in MWU, 1788–89 in the OED, by 1752 in Etymonline.[2][4][3]

Semantic evolution

The branch of any science that deals with forces, such as geological dynamics, is from 1843.[4] The moving physical or moral forces in a sphere are from 1833.[4][3] In music, variation in loudness is from 1883.[4] The forces and motions characterizing a system are a modern use.[5]

Timeline

  • 1752 – in physics.[3]
  • 1833 – moving forces.[4]
  • 1843 – in other sciences.[4]
  • 1883 – in music.[4]

Modern meaning

Noun

  1. (physics) The branch of mechanics concerned with forces and the motion they produce.
  2. The forces or properties that produce change or activity in a system: the dynamics of a family.
  3. (music) Variation in loudness.

Word family

  • astrodynamics
  • geodynamics
  • hemodynamics
  • pharmacodynamics
  • photodynamics
  • aerodynamics
  • biodynamics
  • chromodynamics
  • dynamic
  • dyne
  • dynamo
  • dynasty
  • dynamite
  • statics

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster
  3. ^ a b c d Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  4. ^ a b c d e f g Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
  5. ^ The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language (1992), 3rd ed., Boston: Houghton Mifflin