rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryergUnit of energy
noun

erg

URG/ɜːrɡ/

A unit of work or energy equal to one ten-millionth of a joule.

One erg equals one ten-millionth of a joule.

A compact, scientifically correct force-and-displacement model represents one erg: a constant rightward force of one dyne moves a small body's application point one centimeter to the right.
Etymology
ergGreekwork

Greek ergon means “work.” It supplied the name for a small scientific unit measuring work or energy, turning an ordinary activity word into a precise physical measure.

More examples

  • The calculation gives an energy of 500 ergs.
  • Older physics texts often express work in ergs.
  • A force of one dyne acting over one centimeter does one erg of work.

Forms

erg · ergs

Similar words

joule
The standard SI energy unit, equal to ten million ergs.
calorie
A larger energy unit traditionally used to measure heat.