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illustration Kinetic

Kinetic

[kə-NED-ik]

Part of speech: adjective

Origin: Greek, mid-19th century

1.

Relating to or resulting from motion.

2.

(Of a work of art) Depending on movement for its effect.

Examples of Kinetic in a sentence

"The garden has a large kinetic water fountain as the centerpiece."

"The museum featured a breathtaking display of kinetic art for the spring showcase."

About Kinetic

Kinetic comes from the Greek word "kinētikos," from the verb "kinein," meaning "to move." You can describe any sort of motion — from your first stretch in the morning to the giant drop on a roller coaster — as kinetic. The word is also used in the art world to describe moving sculptures.

Did you Know?

You might recognize "kine" in other moving words, including "kinesiology" ("the study of the mechanics of body movements"), "kinescope" ("a television picture tube"), and "kinesics" ("gestures and body movements serving as nonverbal communication"). They all come from the Greek root "kinēsis," meaning "movement."

illustration Kinetic

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