Meaning & use
newton
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Meaning
nouncountabletechnicalphysics
The SI unit of force, equal to the force that accelerates a mass of one kilogram by one meter per second squared.
Grammar: Countable and usually written with a number: 10 newtons. The symbol is N.
Patterns
- measured in newtons
- a force of X newtons
The force needed to lift the apple is about one newton.
The motor produces a torque of 50 newton meters.
In the lab, we measured the pull in newtons using a spring scale.
Word forms
| plural | newtons |
|---|
Common combinations
- newton meter
- Torque is measured in newton meters.
- a force of X newtons
- The rocket engine produces a force of thousands of newtons.
- measured in newtons
- Weight is measured in newtons, not kilograms.
- per newton
- The spring constant is expressed in meters per newton.
Synonyms and how they differ
- N
- The abbreviation for newton; use N in equations and technical writing.
Word family
- Newtonian adjective
- Relating to the physics of Isaac Newton, especially his laws of motion.
Commonly confused: newton or Newton?
newton vs Newton
Capitalized, it is the surname of Isaac Newton or a place name; the unit is usually written lowercase when spelled out.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'newton' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Newton' is a unit of force, so 'weighs about 10 newtons' is correct. The other options confuse it with a verb, a fruit, or a vehicle.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “newton”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.