English · Science & Technology
mass
/mæs/
[/mæs/]
amount of matter
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The amount of matter in an object, which stays the same wherever the object is.
Example
An object's mass remains the same on the moon, even though its weight is much less.
An object's mass remains the same on the moon, even though its weight is much less.
Etymology
From Greek 'maza' (barley cake, lump), via Latin 'massa' (a lump or mass).
How & Where It’s Used
A core physics term, distinct from weight; also means a large quantity.