pneumatic
noo-MAT-ik
/njuːˈmæt.ɪk/
Containing or operated by air or gas under pressure.
Specifically denotes systems powered by compressed air, which are generally faster but less powerful than hydraulic systems.
The story behind the word. The ancient Greeks used the word 'pneuma' to mean breath, wind, or the vital spirit of life. Over time, scientists adopted this root to describe devices and systems that harness the physical power of compressed air and gas.
Word relationships
- air-powered: Air-powered is a common term, while pneumatic is the formal engineering designation.
- hydraulic: Hydraulic systems are powered by pressurized liquid, whereas pneumatic systems are powered by compressed gas.
Commonly confused with
- pulmonary: Pulmonary refers specifically to the lungs in medicine, whereas pneumatic refers to engineering systems powered by compressed air.
Word family
- pneumatics (noun): The branch of technology that deals with the mechanical properties of gases.
Collocations
- pneumatic drill
- pneumatic tires
- pneumatic system
- pneumatic tube
Example sentences
- "The workers used a pneumatic drill powered by a noisy air compressor to break up the old asphalt." Construction site
- "Pneumatic tubes were once widely used in department stores and banks to rapidly send paper documents between floors." Industrial automation
Memory hook
Think of 'pneumatic' as 'new-air-tech' (pneum-air-tic) to remember it uses compressed air. Pneumatic = New air technology.
When not to use
Do not use for systems that use liquid; those are hydraulic.
Fun facts
- The first pneumatic tires were invented not for cars, but for bicycles, to reduce the bone-shaking vibrations of riding on cobblestone streets.
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