Lagrangian mechanics

noun

A formulation of classical mechanics in terms of energy and action rather than forces, mathematically expressed by a function termed the Lagrangian.

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Meanings

nounLagrangian mechanics (uncountable)
  1. uncountableA formulation of classical mechanics in terms of energy and action rather than forces, mathematically expressed by a function termed the Lagrangian.

Origin

First developed systematically by Joseph-Louis Lagrange in his Mécanique analytique (1788–89).

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Cite this entry
APA

Lagrangian mechanics. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Lagrangian%20mechanics

MLA

“Lagrangian mechanics.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Lagrangian%20mechanics. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Lagrangian mechanics,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Lagrangian%20mechanics.

Source: Lagrangian mechanics on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.