What does motional mean?
Motional is an adjective meaning connected with motion or movement. It is used especially in scientific and technical language to describe quantities, forces, energy, or physical effects arising from movement. For example, motional energy is the energy associated with the movement of an object, while a motional force is a force caused by movement. The word is related to motion, the noun for movement or change of position, and is distinct from kinetic, which more specifically refers to energy associated with movement. Although motional can sometimes describe a cause of movement, as in motional sickness, it is most often encountered in physics, engineering, and related technical writing. In ordinary conversation, motion-related or moving may sound more natural.
adjectiveRelating to, causing, or consisting of motion. In physics, it denotes a quantity associated with movement and its effects, such as momentum.
- Relating to motion or movement, especially a physical quantity or effect associated with it.
"The device measures the motional energy of the particles in the chamber."
"The magnet exerts a motional force on the charged particle as it moves past."
"Passengers who suffer from motional sickness may find the long journey difficult."
Motional helps distinguish movement itself from the forces, energy, and physical effects associated with it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does motional come from?
Motional was formed in the 19th century from motion, using the suffix -al, meaning “relating to.” Motion itself comes from Latin motio, a noun derived from movere, “to move.” The same Latin root produced related English words such as motive, commotion, and emotion, although their modern meanings and formations vary.
How motional is actually used
Motional is most common in technical and scientific contexts, particularly physics and engineering. In general use, it is less common than words such as motion-related or moving.
Easily confused with motional
Motion is the movement or process of changing position, whereas motional is an adjective describing something related to or caused by that movement.