Ergonomic: meaning, definitions and examples

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ergonomic

 

[ ˌɜːrɡəˈnɒmɪk ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

design, comfort

Ergonomic refers to the study and design of equipment and tools that fit the human body's natural movements and functions. The aim is to improve comfort, efficiency, and productivity while reducing the risk of injury. Ergonomic products and solutions take into account the physical anatomy of users, providing them with optimal posture and support during use. This term is often associated with workplace environments, particularly office furniture like chairs and desks that promote good posture.

Synonyms

comfortable, efficient, functional, user-friendly.

Examples of usage

  • This ergonomic chair has been designed for maximum comfort.
  • She invested in an ergonomic keyboard to reduce strain on her wrists.
  • The ergonomic design of this desk helps enhance productivity.

Translations

Translations of the word "ergonomic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ergonómico

🇮🇳 अर्थोपेडिक

🇩🇪 ergonomisch

🇮🇩 ergonomis

🇺🇦 ергонічний

🇵🇱 ergonomiczny

🇯🇵 エルゴノミック

🇫🇷 ergonomique

🇪🇸 ergonómico

🇹🇷 ergonomik

🇰🇷 인체공학적인

🇸🇦 مريح

🇨🇿 ergonomický

🇸🇰 ergonomický

🇨🇳 人体工学的

🇸🇮 ergonomski

🇮🇸 ergonomískur

🇰🇿 эргономикалық

🇬🇪 ერგონომიული

🇦🇿 ergonomik

🇲🇽 ergonómico

Etymology

The term 'ergonomic' is derived from the Greek words 'ergon' (meaning 'work') and 'nomos' (meaning 'laws' or 'natural laws'). It was first coined in the 1850s to describe the study of work and how it interacts with the human body. However, the modern discipline of ergonomics began to take shape in the mid-20th century, particularly during and after World War II, when understanding human capabilities and limitations became crucial for designing equipment, tasks, and environments for military personnel. Since then, ergonomics has expanded into various fields, including workplace design, product manufacturing, and even digital interfaces, emphasizing the importance of creating tools that accommodate human needs rather than forcing people to adapt to uncomfortable designs.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,814, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.