Newtons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A measurement of force in the metric system, specifically the force needed to accelerate one kilogram at a rate of one meter per second squared
2. This unit quantifies the amount of force exerted when a mass of one kilogram is accelerated by one meter per second squared
3. A metric unit that measures force equal to the force required to give a one-kilogram mass an acceleration of one meter per second squared

Etymology: The unit of force was named for Isaac Newton in 1948, but the word "newtons" as a plural form is what the source traces to a more surprising place: a biscuit. Fig Newtons, the fig-filled cookie brand, took its name from Newton, Massachusetts, not from the scientist, so the same spelling entered everyday English through the grocery aisle decades before physics textbooks needed it. "Newtons" is simply the plural of "newton," the unit named in honour of the English scientist Sir Isaac Newton (1642–1726). The brand name was later shortened to just "Newtons" in 2012, which is where the plural spelling most often shows up in print today. The unit's own name follows the usual pattern for units honouring scientists, such as "watt" and "joule."

Synonyms: units of force