Dynamic

Dynamic is an adjective and noun used across disciplines to describe processes and entities characterized by change, activity, or power. The word derives from the Greek dynamikos meaning powerful, from dynamis power, and entered English via Latin dynamicus and French dynamique.

In physics and engineering, dynamics is the study of the forces and torques that cause motion. Dynamic phenomena are time-dependent, in contrast with statics, which deals with systems in equilibrium. Examples include fluid dynamics, orbital dynamics, and atmospheric dynamics.

In mathematics and computer science, a dynamic system is one whose state evolves over time according to a rule, often expressed with differential or difference equations. Related terms include dynamical systems theory and chaos theory. Dynamic programming is a method for solving complex problems by breaking them into simpler subproblems. In computing, dynamic memory allocation, dynamic typing, and dynamic dispatch describe techniques that operate at runtime rather than compile time.

In economics, finance, and social sciences, dynamic models track how variables change over time, supporting dynamic optimization and forecasting. Dynamic pricing and dynamic stochastic general equilibrium models are common examples.

In everyday usage, dynamic describes something energetic, active, or capable of change, such as a dynamic market or a dynamic presentation. The term often connotes movement and responsiveness rather than fixed stability.