Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Physics) The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as the product of its mass and its velocity. This is the fundamental scientific definition, describing a conserved property in physical systems.
   • (General) The impetus gained by a moving object or a developing process; the force or speed of movement that increases as it continues. This figurative sense describes the driving force or increasing energy behind an action, trend, or feeling.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Physics):
  • The conservation of momentum is a key principle in understanding collisions.
  • The rocket's momentum increased as it burned fuel and accelerated.
• Noun (General/Figurative):
  • The team gained momentum after scoring their first goal and went on to win the match.
  • The political campaign started slowly but is now gathering momentum.
  • It's hard to stop a project once it has built up momentum.

Advanced Usage

• "To gather/gain momentum": To gradually increase in strength, speed, or importance.
  • The social movement is gaining momentum across the country.
• "To lose momentum": To slow down or lose strength and effectiveness.
  • The economic recovery seems to have lost momentum this quarter.
• "To maintain/keep up the momentum": To continue the progress or energy of something.
  • We need another successful product launch to keep up the company's momentum.

Variants and Related Words

• Momenta (n): The plural form, often used in scientific contexts (e.g., ).
• Momentous (adj): Of great importance or significance. (Note: This is a different word, related to "moment" in time, not directly to "momentum" in motion, but often confused).
  • The signing of the treaty was a momentous occasion.

Synonyms

• Impetus: The force or energy with which a body moves, or a stimulus or encouragement.
• Drive: The determination and energy to get things done.
• Thrust: The propulsive force of a jet or rocket engine, or the main point of an argument.
• Velocity (Physics): Speed of motion in a given direction (a component of momentum, not a perfect synonym).

Related Phrases

• Angular momentum (n, Physics): The quantity of rotation of a body, dependent on its mass, shape, and speed of rotation.
  • A spinning ice skater increases her rotational speed by pulling in her arms, conserving angular momentum.
• Momentum investing (n, Finance): An investment strategy that aims to capitalize on the continuance of existing trends in the market.
  • Momentum investing involves buying securities that have had high returns and selling those with low returns.

Idioms

• A rolling stone gathers no moss, but it gains momentum. (A modern, humorous adaptation of the proverb, playing on the concept of momentum versus stability).
• To have a momentum of its own: Describes a process or situation that has become self-sustaining and difficult to stop or control.
  • The rumor spread through the office with a momentum of its own.

Noun

1. the product of a body's mass and its velocity
   • the momentum of the particles was deduced from meteoritic velocities
2. an impelling force or strength
   • the car's momentum carried it off the road