Pneumatics
/ˌnjuː.məˈtɪks/noun
The branch of mechanics that studies the motion and control of gases or pressurized air.
Did you know?The same Greek root *pneuma* meant both “breath” and “spirit,” so the language of air pressure carries a very old, almost mystical association between invisible air and living force.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*pneu-
“to blow, breathe”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πνεῦμα (pneuma)
“breath, wind, spirit”
Late Greek
Greek
πνευματικός (pneumatikos)
“relating to breath or spirit”
17th Century
English
pneumatic
“relating to air or wind; later, powered by compressed air”
18th–19th Century
English
pneumatics
“the science of air and gases under pressure”