Snúningar

Snúningar is an Icelandic term that denotes rotational motion around an axis. In everyday language it refers to turning or twisting actions, such as the snúningur of a wheel or a screw.

Etymology: the word comes from the verb snú- meaning “to twist” or “to turn.” The plural snúningar is used for multiple instances of rotation or twisting.

In physics and mathematics snúningar describe angular motion. Key quantities include angular displacement θ, angular velocity ω, and angular acceleration α. In three dimensions, rotations can be represented by rotation matrices, quaternions, or Euler angles, and the theory uses the rotation group SO(3).

In engineering and technology snúningar cover rotating components such as shafts, gears, and turbines. They are quantified by revolutions per minute or radians per second, and are affected by torque, friction, lubrication, and alignment.

Other uses include spins on balls in sports and camera or object rotations in film and design. Metaphorically, snúningar can refer to plot twists or narrative twists in literature.

See also: Rotation; Spin (physics); Angular momentum.