n. [ Cf. F. dyname. See Dynamic. ] A unit of measure for dynamical effect or work; a foot pound. See Foot pound. Whewell. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_; power + -meter: cf. F. dynamètre. Cf. Dynamometer. ] 1. A dynamometer. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Opt.) An instrument for determining the magnifying power of telescopes, consisting usually of a doubleimage micrometer applied to the eye end of a telescope for measuring accurately the diameter of the image of the object glass there formed; which measurement, compared with the actual diameter of the glass, gives the magnifying power. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to a dynameter.

{ } a. [ Gr. &unr_; powerful, fr. &unr_; power, fr. &unr_; to be able; cf. L. durus hard, E. dure: cf. F. dynamique. ] 1. Of or pertaining to dynamics; belonging to energy or power; characterized by energy or production of force. [ 1913 Webster ]

Science, as well as history, has its past to show, -- a past indeed, much larger; but its immensity is dynamic, not divine. J. Martineau. [ 1913 Webster ]

The vowel is produced by phonetic, not by dynamic, causes. J. Peile. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Relating to physical forces, effects, or laws; as, dynamical geology. [ 1913 Webster ]

As natural science has become more dynamic, so has history. Prof. Shedd. [ 1913 Webster ]

Dynamical electricity. See under Electricity. [ 1913 Webster ]

WordNet lists a number of narrower terms for dynamic and adj. [ Narrower terms: can-do; driving; energizing, energising, kinetic; forceful, slashing, vigorous; projectile; propellant, propellent, propelling, propulsive; renascent, resurgent; self-propelled, self-propelling; high-octane, high-powered, high-power, high-voltage ] [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adv. In accordance with the principles of dynamics or moving forces. J. Peile. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Random Access Memory. ] (Computers) a type of random access memory using circuits that require periodic refresh cycles in order to retain the stored information. Contrasted to static ram, which maintains the memory state as long as the power is still applied. [ acron. ] dynamic RAM is cheaper to manufacture, but because of the need for a refresh cycle, is generally slower to access than static RAM. It is usually implemented in integrated rircuit chips containing thousands to millions of bits of information storage capacity, and is commonly used as the main type of memory circuit in personal computers.
Syn. -- DRAM, D-RAM. [ PJC ]

n. 1. That branch of mechanics which treats of the motion of bodies (Kinematics) and the action of forces in producing or changing their motion (kinetics). Dynamics is held by some recent writers to include statics and not kinematics. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The moving moral, as well as physical, forces of any kind, or the laws which relate to them. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Mus.) That department of musical science which relates to, or treats of, the power of tones. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. dynamisme. See Dynamics. ] The doctrine of Leibnitz, that all substance involves force. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. One who accounts for material phenomena by a theory of dynamics. [ 1913 Webster ]

Those who would resolve matter into centers of force may be said to constitute the school of dynamists. Ward (Dyn. Sociol. ). [ 1913 Webster ]