Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to Sir Isaac Newton, his scientific theories, or his laws of motion: Describing concepts, principles, or physics based on the work of the scientist Isaac Newton.
   • Conforming to classical physics: Pertaining to the system of mechanics that describes the motion of macroscopic objects at speeds much slower than the speed of light.

2. Noun:

   • A follower or adherent of Isaac Newton's theories: A person who supports or studies the scientific ideas and principles established by Isaac Newton.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Newtonian mechanics provides an accurate description of everyday phenomena like falling apples and orbiting planets.
  • The engineer applied Newtonian principles to calculate the forces on the bridge.

• Noun:

  • As a dedicated Newtonian, she found the shift to quantum theory challenging.
  • Early Newtonians helped spread his revolutionary ideas about gravity and motion.

Advanced Usage

• "Newtonian fluid": A fluid whose viscosity remains constant, regardless of the applied stress. Water and air are common examples.

  • In this model, we assume the liquid behaves as a Newtonian fluid.

• "Non-Newtonian": A term used to describe fluids that do not follow Newton's law of viscosity (e.g., ketchup, custard).

  • Oobleck is a classic example of a non-Newtonian substance.

Variants and Related Words

• Newtonianism (n): The body of scientific doctrine based on Newton's work.

  • The triumph of Newtonianism shaped science for centuries.

• Newton (n, prop): The unit of force in physics, named after Sir Isaac Newton.

  • It required a force of several newtons to move the object.

Synonyms

• Classical (adj): Referring to physics before the theories of relativity and quantum mechanics.
• Adherent (n): A supporter of a particular theory or leader.

Related Phrases

• Newtonian telescope: A type of reflecting telescope designed by Isaac Newton.

  • The amateur astronomer built her own Newtonian telescope.

• Newtonian worldview: The understanding of the universe as a deterministic machine operating under fixed laws, inspired by Newton's work.

  • The Newtonian worldview dominated scientific thought for over two hundred years.

Adjective

1. of or relating to or inspired by Sir Isaac Newton or his science
   • Newtonian physics

Noun

1. a follower of Isaac Newton