Dyne
/daÉŖn/noun
A unit of force in the centimetreāgramāsecond system, equal to one gram-centimetre per second squared.
Did you know?The dyne belongs to the old centimetreāgramāsecond system, where physical power was expressed through the Greek idea of dynamis, meaning capacity or force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dŹ°ewhā-
āTo be able, be capable, or have power; a reconstructed root behind Greek words for strength and ability.ā
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ī“ĻĪ½Ī±Ī¼Ī±Ī¹ (dĆ½namai)
āI am able; I have the power or capacity to do something.ā
Ancient Greek
Greek
Ī“ĻĪ½Ī±Ī¼Ī¹Ļ (dĆ½namis)
āPower, ability, strength, or capacity.ā
19th Century
English
dyne
āA scientific unit of force, coined from Greek dĆ½namis during the development of the centimetreāgramāsecond measurement system.ā
Modern English
English
dyne
āA mostly historical or specialized unit of force, superseded in general use by the newton.ā