dynamics

1 of 2

noun

dy·​nam·​ics dī-ˈna-miks 

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

1

physics : a branch of mechanics (see mechanics sense 1) that deals with forces and their relation primarily to the motion but sometimes also to the equilibrium (see equilibrium sense 2) of bodies

2

: a pattern or process of change, growth, or activity

population dynamics

3

: variation and contrast in force or intensity (as in music)

dynamics

2 of 2

plural of dynamic entry 2

Examples of dynamics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

But inquiring into the specifics of familial dynamics is impudent and prying -- and a line of questioning that most people would be happy to avoid answering themselves. —Miss Manners | Judith Martin, Anchorage Daily News, 4 Feb. 2023

Dalene and Hong were able to articulate the formal architecture through careful ensemble shaping of dynamics and rubato, and brought a single understanding to motives and their evolution. —Luke Schulze, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Feb. 2023

Experts say that faulty popular perceptions of racial dynamics in policing are only part of the issue. —Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2023

Existing models of glacier dynamics and ice discharge underestimate the actual rate of ice loss in recent decades. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Jan. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Noun

dynam(ic) entry 1 + -ics, after French dynamique dynamic entry 2

First Known Use

Noun

circa 1789, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dynamics

• group dynamics

Kids Definition

dynamics

singular or plural noun

dy·​nam·​ics dī-ˈnam-iks 

1

: the science of the motion of bodies and the action of forces in producing or changing their motion

2

: physical, moral, or intellectual forces or the laws relating to them

3

: the pattern of change or growth

4

: variation in force or intensity (as in music)

Medical Definition

dynamics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

dy·​nam·​ics dī-ˈnam-iks 

1

: a branch of mechanics that deals with forces and their relation primarily to the motion but sometimes also to the equilibrium of bodies

2

: psychodynamics

3

: the pattern of change or growth of an object or phenomenon

personality dynamics

population dynamics