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upthrust

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Upthrust is a force that pushes an object upwards in a fluid. It is caused by the difference in pressure between the top and bottom of the object.

The pressure on the top of the object is lower than the pressure on the bottom. This is because the weight of the fluid pushes down on the bottom of the object.

The upthrust is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the object. This means that the greater the volume of the object, the greater the upthrust.

Upthrust is what keeps boats afloat. The weight of the water displaced by the boat is equal to the weight of the boat, so the boat does not sink.

How can the word be used?

The upthrust of the water lifted the boat out of the water.

upthrust

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • upthrust (a force that pushes something upward).
  • uplift (a geological term for an upthrust).
  • heave (a sudden upward movement).

Adjective:

  • upthrust (moving or pushing upward).
  • uplifting (giving hope or encouragement).

Etymology

The word "upthrust" comes from the Old English words "up" and "thrust", which mean "up" and "push" respectively. The word "upthrust" is first attested in English in the 16th century.

Question

What is an upthrust force?