mōˈmentəm also məˈ- noun
( plural momen·ta -tə ; also momentums )
Etymology: Latin, motion — more at moment
1. : a property of a moving body that determines the length of time required to bring it to rest when under the action of a constant force or moment — see angular momentum , linear momentum
2. : moment 7
a momentum in the spiritual relations of him and God — A.B.Davidson
3.
a. : the force of motion acquired by a moving body as a result of the continuance of its motion : impetus — not used technically
steps took him to the door … so neatly that he was able to seize the handle and enter without losing momentum — Robertson Davies
still he galloped, and with a velocity and momentum continually increasing — William Cowper
b. : something held to resemble such force of motion of a moving body
the … music not only lacks passion; it even lacks momentum of any sort — Winthrop Sargeant
the conspiracy gained momentum and direction — R.C.Doty
moved along by the momentum of events — Norman Cousins