kinetic energy

Noun

kinetic energy (countable and uncountable, plural kinetic energies)

1. The energy possessed by an object because of its motion, equal (nonrelativistically) to one half the mass of the body times the square of its speed.
   • These units are the electrogyros, which work first as motors, taking electrical energy from a three-phase supply, and converting it into kinetic energy, which is stored in the flywheels.1958 June, “N.C.B. Electrogyro Locomotive”, in Railway Magazine, page 421
   • As on Nos. 20001-3, the motor and generator armature shafts of the new locomotive each carry a heavy flywheel to provide kinetic energy and help maintain the speed of the motor-generator set during interruptions of supply, as at breaks in the continuity of the conductor rail.1959 March, “The 2,500 h.p. electric locomotives for the Kent Coast electrification”, in Trains Illustrated, page 123
2. Energetic fast-paced activity.
   • Reeves' action moves and his sincerity, even when Wick is at his most stern, perfectly capture the blend of emotion and kinetic energy that define the films.2023 March 14, Caryn James, “John Wick: Chapter 4: 'Soars above most action films'”, in BBC