Meaning & Definition of word "Momentum"

Momentum

/məˈmɛn.təm/

noun:

  • 1. The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.
    • Example: The car gained momentum as it raced down the hill.
  • 2. The impetus gained by a moving object.
    • Example: The rocket had enough momentum to leave the Earth's atmosphere.
  • 3. The driving force gained by the development of a process or course of events.
    • Example: The project gained momentum after securing the necessary funding.
  • 4. A force that increases or strengthens progress in a particular direction or activity.
    • Example: The new policies provided significant momentum for economic growth.

Etymology

Latin, from 'momentum', meaning 'a movement, motion'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

momentum shift:

A significant change in the direction or flow of a process.

gaining momentum:

Increasing in speed or force.

lose momentum:

To slow down or decrease in energy or strength.

Related Words

kinetic energy:

The energy that a body possesses by virtue of being in motion.

velocity:

The speed of something in a given direction.

inertia:

The resistance of any physical object to any change in its velocity.

Slang Meanings of momentum

Meaning: To have a lot of energy or enthusiasm about a project.

Example Sentence: We've got some serious momentum going into the final phase of the project.

Meaning: To be riding a wave of success or progress.

Example Sentence: Once we started getting customers, a momentum built that was hard to stop.