center of mass

noun phrase

: the point in a body or system of bodies at which the whole mass may be considered as concentrated

Examples of center of mass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Firearms training invariably emphasizes aiming at the center of mass in middle of the chest which gives a much better chance of a hit. — David Hambling, Forbes.com, 19 May 2026 Many stars are formed in binary systems, in which two stars orbit one another around a common center of mass. — Keith Cooper, Space.com, 28 Apr. 2026 This enables the model to account for load distribution, grip forces, and shifts in the robot’s center of mass. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 20 Apr. 2026 The momentum carried away by the system-escaping debris is what ultimately contributed to shoving the center of mass of the whole Didymos-Dimorphos pair. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for center of mass

Word History

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of center of mass was in 1862

Rhymes for center of mass

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Browse Nearby Words

center of inversion
center of mass
center-of-mass system
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Cite this Entry

“Center of mass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center%20of%20mass. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

center of mass

: the point in a body or system of bodies at which the whole mass can be thought of as concentrated
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