Energy Definition

energy

English

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἐνέργεια (energeia, “action, act, work”) < ἐνεργός (energos, “active”) < ἐν (en, “in”) + ἔργον (ergon, “work”).

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈɛnɚʤi/, SAMPA: /"En@`dZi/

• Audio (US)

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Noun

energy (plural energies)

1. The impetus behind all motion and all activity.
2. The capacity to do work.
3. (physics) A quantity that denotes the ability to do work and is measured in a unit dimensioned in mass × distance²/time² (ML²/T²) or the equivalent.

   Units:

   SI: joule (J), kilowatt-hour (kW·h)

   CGS: erg (erg)

   Customary: foot-pound-force, calorie, kilocalorie (i.e. dietary calories), BTU, liter-atmosphere, ton of TNT

4. (New Age jargon) An intangible force that is preserved and transferred in human interactions; shared mood or group habit.

Derived terms

Related terms

• synergy
• ergonomics

External links

• energy in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
• energy in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

Anagrams

• greeny

Related 'Energy' Searches:

See Also:

• International Energy Agency
• Nuclear Energy (Sculpture)