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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moving the weight shifted the center of mass of the satellite, enabling operators on the ground to keep the satellite antennae facing earthward. 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. Julian Dossett, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025 The system creates a stable bridge to the Falcon Tender's center of mass. Kathleen Turner, Forbes, 26 Sep. 2024 If 10 humans make the same move, the center of mass would shift 28.5 centimeters. 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. 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. 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. 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. Wes Siler, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of center of mass was in 1862

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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