newton

noun

new·​ton ˈnü-tᵊn How to pronounce newton (audio)
ˈnyü-
: the unit of force in the meter-kilogram-second system equal to the force required to impart an acceleration of one meter per second per second to a mass of one kilogram

Examples of newton 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.
Concrete blocks only need to be deflected one millimeter before breaking, but since the material is less bendable than wood, that displacement requires 2,500 to 3,000 newtons. — Jess Romeo, JSTOR Daily, 26 Feb. 2021 The fingers have humanlike kinematics, and each joint can move up to 180 degrees per second with the capability of exerting at least 8 newtons of force at each fingertip. — IEEE Spectrum, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Sir Isaac Newton

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of newton was in 1904

Rhymes for newton

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Browse Nearby Words

New Thought
newton
Newton
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Cite this Entry

“Newton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/newton. Accessed 18 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

newton

noun
new·​ton ˈn(y)üt-ᵊn How to pronounce newton (audio)
: the unit of force that is of such size that under its influence a body whose mass is one kilogram would experience an acceleration of one meter per second per second

Medical Definition

newton

noun
new·​ton ˈn(y)üt-ᵊn How to pronounce newton (audio)
: the unit of force in the metric system equal to the force required to impart an acceleration of one meter per second per second to a mass of one kilogram

Geographical Definition

Newton

geographical name

New·​ton ˈnü-tᵊn How to pronounce Newton (audio)
ˈnyü-
city in eastern Massachusetts west of Boston population 85,146

Biographical Definition

Newton

biographical name

New·​ton ˈnü-tᵊn How to pronounce Newton (audio)
ˈnyü-
Sir Isaac 1642–1727 English mathematician and physicist

More from Merriam-Webster on newton

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about newton

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