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force unit

force unit

1 3.7
A measure for how strong a push or pull is, like the newton
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : unidad de fuerza
  • In laboratory experiments, scientists often utilize a force unit to determine the push or pull exerted on an object.

Examples

  • He was a commander of an elite special forces unit.

  • Crasher task force unit.

  • The Eastern Caribbean Regional Security Service (RSS) successfully integrates police and defense force units from seven English-speaking states.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The strength of a kick can be measured in newton, a common force unit used in physics.

  • When studying mechanics, students learn that the force unit newton quantifies the amount of force applied.

Synonyms

g
vsforce unit
  • Specialized
4 7.4

A unit that measures the force you feel from Earth's gravity when you speed up

is the general name for measures of physical push or pull
newton
vsforce unit
  • Specialized
2 5.8

A unit for measuring force that makes a one kilogram mass speed up by one meter each second

is the general name for measures of physical push or pull
g-force
vsforce unit
  • Specialized
5.7

The push you feel when you speed up, compared with normal gravity like on a roller coaster

is the general name for measures of physical push or pull
kgf
vsforce unit
  • Archaic
9.4

The force made by a mass of 1 kilogram under Earth's gravity

is the general name for measures of physical push or pull
poundal
vsforce unit
  • Specialized
9.9

A unit of force that makes a one-pound object gain one foot per second of speed each second

is the general name for measures of physical push or pull
sthene
vsforce unit
  • Archaic
9.9

A unit of force equal to 1,000 newtons

is the general name for measures of physical push or pull

Surface Forms

force unit singular
force units plural

Morphology

force + unit

The meaning 'a unit used to measure physical force' is directly and compositionally derived from 'force' (power that makes objects move) + 'unit' (a defined quantity for measurement). This noun+noun compound follows a transparent possession/classification pattern common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Force unit is a compound made by joining force (a push or pull) and unit (one standard amount). Imagine people comparing how hard they push a door using the same 'standard push'. That standard push is a force unit, like the newton, so the phrase means 'a unit used to measure physical force'.