What does kinematic mean?
Kinematic is an adjective meaning relating to motion, particularly the geometric relationships that describe how an object or body moves through space. Kinematic descriptions consider positions, velocities, accelerations, trajectories, and the connections between moving parts, while generally excluding the forces responsible for producing the movement. This makes the term especially useful in mechanics, engineering, robotics, computer animation, and biomechanics. For example, a kinematic model may determine where a robotic arm’s joints should be, whereas a dynamic model would also account for the forces acting on the arm. The related noun kinematics is the branch of mechanics concerned with describing motion in this way. Although “kinematic” sounds similar to “kinetic,” the distinction is important: kinematics focuses on the form and geometry of movement, while kinetics focuses on what causes it. Outside technical contexts, the word is uncommon but precise and readily recognizable.
adjectiveRelating to the motion of objects or systems, especially the geometric relationships involved in movement, without reference to the forces that cause it.
- Relating to motion and the geometric relationships that describe it, without consideration of the forces causing that motion.
"The robotic arm uses a kinematic model to calculate the position of each joint."
"The animation engine adjusts the character’s kinematic model to prevent limbs from passing through solid objects."
"The researchers used a kinematic analysis to determine how the animal’s joints moved during running."
Kinematic asks where motion leads—not what pushes it along.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kinematic come from?
Kinematic comes from the Greek adjective κινηματικός (kineumatikos), meaning “of movement” or “pertaining to motion,” which was formed from κίνημα (kinēma), “movement.” English adopted the word in the early nineteenth century as scientific terminology associated with the mathematical description of motion. It shares this Greek root with kinetic, kinesis, kinesiology, and cinema.
Related word forms
How kinematic is actually used
This is primarily a formal and specialist term used in physics, engineering, robotics, animation, and biomechanics. It is commonly used attributively before words such as “analysis,” “model,” and “equation.”
Easily confused with kinematic
Kinematic describes the geometry of motion, whereas kinetic concerns the forces and energy involved in causing motion.