| the energy of a body or a system with respect to the motion of the body or of the particles in the system. |
| kinetic energy n. The energy possessed by a body because of its motion, equal to one half the mass of the body times the square of its speed. |
kinetic energy n.
The energy possessed by a body because of its motion, equal to one half the mass of the body times the square of its speed.
kinetic energy  (kə-nět'ĭk) Pronunciation Key
The energy possessed by a system or object as a result of its motion. The kinetic energy of objects with mass is dependent upon the velocity and mass of the object, while the energy of waves depends on their velocity, frequency, and amplitude, as well as the density of the medium if there is one (as with ocean waves). Compare potential energy. |
