ergonomics

[ur-guh-nom-iks] /ˌɜr gəˈnɒm ɪks/
noun, (used with a singular or plural verb)
1.
human engineering.
Origin
1945-50; ergo- + -nomics (see -nomy, -ics) on the model of agronomics, bionomics, etc.
Related forms
ergonomic, ergonometric
[ur-guh-nuh-me-trik] /ˌɜr gə nəˈmɛ trɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective
ergonomically, adverb
ergonomist
[ur-gon-uh-mist] /ɜrˈgɒn ə mɪst/ (Show IPA), noun
Usage note
See -ics.
Examples from the web for ergonomics
  • Because it is based on human ergonomics, which will never change, only mold through time and the evolution of humans.
  • It means keeping in mind wire management and ergonomics.
  • The test of posture had nothing to do with ergonomics.
  • The ergonomics of text entry will especially be challenging on a device that size.
  • ergonomics is the science of adapting workplaces to ensure worker safety.
  • Good ergonomics and dashboard design is not the realm of the rich.
  • Recommendations for safe computer ergonomics have been evolving.
  • Its only saving grace was being kinda cute and above-average interior ergonomics for that market segment at the time.
  • Excellent ergonomics make the use of the many devices at hand easy to use.
  • Croppers aside, skiers do win hands down in all other aspects of ergonomics.
British Dictionary definitions for ergonomics

ergonomics

/ˌɜːɡəˈnɒmɪks/
noun
1.
(functioning as sing) the study of the relationship between workers and their environment, esp the equipment they use Also called biotechnology
Derived Forms
ergonomist (ɜːˈɡɒnəmɪst) noun
Word Origin
C20: from Greek ergon work + (eco)nomics
Word Origin and History for ergonomics
n.

"scientific study of the efficiency of people in the workplace," coined 1950 from Greek ergon "work" (see urge (v.)) + second element of economics.

ergonomics in Medicine

ergonomics er·go·nom·ics (ûr'gə-nŏm'ĭks)
n.
The applied science of equipment design, as for the workplace, intended to maximize productivity by reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.

ergonomics in Science
ergonomics
  (ûr'gə-nŏm'ĭks)   
The scientific study of equipment design, as in office furniture or transportation seating, for the purpose of improving efficiency, comfort, or safety.
ergonomics in Culture
ergonomics [(ur-guh-nom-iks)]

The technology concerned with the design, manufacture, and arrangement of products and environments to be safe, healthy, and comfortable for human beings.

Note: The term is most often encountered in discussions of the design of furniture, tools, and other things built to be used by humans.
ergonomics in Technology


The study of the design and arrangement of equipment so that people will interact with the equipment in healthy, comfortable, and efficient manner. As related to computer equipment, ergonomics is concerned with such factors as the physical design of the keyboard, screens, and related hardware, and the manner in which people interact with these hardware devices.
(1995-04-14)