| vis | 1. Force; power. 2. Physical force. Moral power. <physiology> Principle of vis viva, living force; the force of a body moving against resistance, or doing work, in distinction from vis mortua, or dead force; the kinetic energy of a moving body; the capacity of a moving body to do work by reason of its being in motion. See Kinetic energy, in the Note under Energy. The term vis viva is not usually understood to include that part of the kinetic energy of the body which is due to the vibrations of its molecules. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| vis a fronte | A force acting from in front; an obstructive, restraining, or impeding force. (05 Mar 2000) |
| vis a tergo | A force acting from behind; a pushing or accelerating force. (05 Mar 2000) |
| vis conservatrix | The inherent power in the organism resisting the effects of injury. (05 Mar 2000) |
| vis vitae | <biology> The doctrine that all the functions of a living organism are due to an unknown vital principle distinct from all chemical and physical forces. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| quantum vis | See: q.v.. Origin: L. However much you wish (05 Mar 2000) |