erg

noun Physics.

1. the centimeter-gram-second unit of work or energy, equal to the work done by a force of one dyne when its point of application moves through a distance of one centimeter in the direction of the force; 10−7 joule.

noun Geology.

1. a vast area covered with sand and shifting dunes, as parts of the Sahara Desert.

1. electroretinogram.

1. a combining form meaning “work”: ergograph.

noun

1. the cgs unit of work or energy. 1 erg is equivalent to 10 –7 joule

noun plural ergs or areg

1. an area of shifting sand dunes in a desert, esp the Sahara

noun

1. informal short for ergometer (def. 2)

n.1

unit of energy in the C.G.S. system, coined 1873 by the British Association for the Advancement of Science from Greek ergon “work” (see urge (v.)).

n.2

“region of drifting sand dunes,” 1875, from French erg (1854), from North African Arabic ‘irj, from a Berber word.

n.

1. The centimeter-gram-second unit of energy or work equal to the work done by a force of one dyne acting over a distance of one centimeter.

abbr.

1. electroretinogram

pref.

1. Work:ergometer.

1. The unit of energy or work in the centimeter-gram-second system, equal to the force of one dyne over a distance of one centimeter. This unit has been mostly replaced by the joule.

1. An extensive area of desert covered with shifting sand dunes.