cybernetics

noun

cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈne-tiks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
plural in form but singular in construction
: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (such as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic adjective
or less commonly cybernetical
cybernetically adverb

Examples of cybernetics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Researchers’ experiment melded two fields that have track records of success: optogentics and cybernetics. Carl Engelking, Discover Magazine, 12 Nov. 2014 Or Harrison Gilbertson’s pallid, shy cybernetics visionary Eron Keen in Upgrade, also from 2018. Vulture, 11 Jan. 2022 Transhumanism isn't just about cybernetics and robot bodies. Kyle Munkittrick, Discover Magazine, 16 July 2011 Similarly, sci-fi cures—especially cybernetics—are practically a trope at this point. Eirik Gumeny, Wired, 31 Aug. 2021 That is, the overlap of psychedelics and cybernetics. Javier Hasse, Forbes, 17 June 2022 Before shooting, the Wachowskis sent him to martial-arts training camp but also told him to read Baudrillard and books on evolutionary psychology and cybernetics. Alex Pappademas, The New Yorker, 30 Dec. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cybernetics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek kybernētēs pilot, governor (from kybernan to steer, govern) + English -ics

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cybernetics was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near cybernetics

Cite this Entry

“Cybernetics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cybernetics. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cybernetics

noun
cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
: a science concerned especially with studies comparing automatic control systems (as that of the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic adjective

Medical Definition

cybernetics

noun, plural in form but singular in construction
cy·​ber·​net·​ics ˌsī-bər-ˈnet-iks How to pronounce cybernetics (audio)
: the science of communication and control theory that is concerned especially with the comparative study of automatic control systems (as the nervous system and brain and mechanical-electrical communication systems)
cybernetic adjective
also cybernetical
cybernetically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on cybernetics

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