biomechanics
BY-oh-muh-KAN-iks
/ˌbaɪoʊməˈkænɪks/
The study of the mechanical laws relating to the movement or structure of living organisms.
Specifically looks at the body as a machine, analyzing forces, levers, and efficiency.
The story behind the word. A relatively modern term, it combines the Greek 'bios' (life) with 'mechanike' (the art of making machines). It treats the skeletal and muscular systems as a series of levers and pulleys.
Word relationships
- kinesiology: Kinesiology is the broader study of human movement; biomechanics is specifically the mechanical/physics aspect.
Commonly confused with
- physiology: Physiology deals with how organs and systems function; biomechanics deals with how the body moves physically.
Word family
- biomechanical (adjective): Relating to the mechanical aspects of living beings.
- biomechanist (noun): An expert in the field of biomechanics.
Collocations
- human biomechanics
- biomechanics of running
- applied biomechanics
Example sentences
- "By studying the biomechanics of his stride, the coach helped the sprinter reduce his ground contact time." Sports Science
- "The development of the new prosthetic leg required a deep understanding of human biomechanics." Medical Research
Memory hook
Think of a 'Cyborg'—half 'Bio' (life) and half 'Mechanics' (machine). Bio-Mechanics = Life-Machine science.
When not to use
Do not use when discussing purely biological or chemical processes like digestion.
Fun facts
- Biomechanics is used to design everything from high-performance running shoes to ergonomic office chairs.
Related words
Explore more words
ergonomic, bioengineering, biomimicry, physiology, Dynamics, mechanistic
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