newton

/ˈnutn/

/ˈnutən/

Other forms: newtons

A newton is a unit of force that will accelerate one kilogram of mass one meter per second squared. Just as meters measure distance, newtons measure force.

The newton is named for Isaac Newton, the famous physicist. This can help you remember that newton is an important term in physics. For the International System of Units, the newton is a unit of force that could give one kilogram of mass a specific amount of acceleration: one meter per second per second. You can also say a newton is equal to the force of 100,000 dynes. Using newtons makes measuring forces, such as gravity, simpler and easier.

Definitions of newton

1. noun

   a unit of force equal to the force that imparts an acceleration of 1 m/sec/sec to a mass of 1 kilogram; equal to 100,000 dynes
   synonyms: N

   type of:

   force unit

   a unit of measurement of physical force