noun
moment
The turning effect of a force about a point.
The engineer calculates the moment produced by the turning force.
Etymology
Latin momentum concerns movement, impetus, or a determining influence. Mechanics specializes that idea to the turning influence a force exerts about a point.
More examples
- A longer lever increases the moment.
- Find the moment about the pivot.
- The opposing moments balance.
Forms
moment · moments
Similar words
- torque
- Commonly used for a force's tendency to cause rotation.