n. [ Gr. &unr_; work. ] (Physics) The unit of work or energy in the C. G. S. system, being the amount of work done by a dyne working through a distance of one centimeter; the amount of energy expended in moving a body one centimeter against a force of one dyne (981 dynes exert the same force as a one gram mass in the earth's gravitational field). One foot pound is equal to 13, 560, 000 ergs. The absolute Joule is equivalent to 107 ergs, which are equivalent to 0.2389 gram-calories at 15° C. See also mechanical equivalent of heat under equivalent. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

n. [ G., fr. Gr. &unr_; work. ] (Physics) Potential energy; negative value of the force function. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

v. t. [ L. ergo therefore. ] To deduce logically, as conclusions. [ Obs. ] Hewyt. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Erg + -meter. ] (Physics) An instrument for measuring energy in ergs. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

‖conj. or adv. [ L. ] Therefore; consequently; -- often used in a jocular way. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. vitamin D2, one of the D vitamins, a group of related substances that prevent rickets.
Syn. -- vitamin D, calciferol, cholecarciferol, D. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

n. [ Gr. &unr_; work + -graph. ] An instrument for measuring and recording the work done by a single muscle or set of muscles, the rate of fatigue, etc. -- Er`go*graph"ic a. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

n. [ Gr. &unr_; work + -meter. ] (Physics) A device for measuring, or an instrument for indicating, energy expended or work done; a dynamometer. -- Er`go*met"ric a. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

n. [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_; work. ] (Physics) (a) Work, measured in terms of the quantity of heat to which it is equivalent. (b) same as Erg. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. biological science applied to study the relation between workers and their environments.
Syn. -- biotechnology, bioengineering. [ WordNet 1.5 ]