erg

/ɜrɡ/
noun
  1. A unit of work or energy in the centimeter-gram-second system, equal to the work done by a force of one dyne over a distance of one centimeter.
    • One erg is a very small unit; it takes about 10 million ergs to equal one joule.
    • The scientist measured the tiny amount of energy released in the reaction, which was only a few ergs.
    • The light from a firefly's glow is measured in ergs per second.
  2. A large area of desert covered with shifting sand dunes, especially in the Sahara.
    • Sandstorms are common in the erg, making travel dangerous.
    • Satellite images revealed a new erg forming in the southern Sahara.
    • The explorers crossed a vast erg, where dunes stretched as far as the eye could see.
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