Mo*men"tum (?), n.; pl. L. Momenta (#), F. Momentums (#). [L. See Moment.]
1. Mech.
The quantity of motion in a moving body, being always proportioned to the quantity of matter multiplied into the velocity; impetus.
2.
Essential element, or constituent element.
I shall state the several momenta of the distinction in separate propositions.
Sir W. Hamilton.
<-- Fig. a property of an activity, analogous to forward motion or to physical momentum (def. 1), which is believed to be able to continue moving forward without further application of force or effort; as, the petition drive gained momentum when it was mentioned in the newspapers -->
© Webster 1913.