ENGLISH
REFERENCE

translational

adj.
C1 Advanced UK //tɹænslˈeɪʃənəl// trans·la·tion·al

adj. relating to the movement of an object in a straight line without rotating. In physics, it describes how an object moves from one place to another without changing its direction.

adj. relating to the movement of a body in a straight line without rotation. Often used in the context of mechanics to describe linear motion as opposed to rotational motion.


SIMPLE

The translational motion of the car is smooth.

CONTEXTUAL

Engineers must account for both translational and rotational forces when designing the suspension system for a high-speed train.

COMPLEX

The translational velocity of the satellite remains constant in the absence of external forces, while its rotational speed may vary depending on the torque applied by its onboard thrusters.

Origin

From translation + -al.

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