What is "momenta"

Momentum \Mo*men"tum\, n.; pl. L. Momenta, F. Momentums. [L. See Moment.]

1. (Mech.) The quantity of motion in a moving body, being always proportioned to the quantity of matter multiplied by the velocity; impetus.

2. Essential element, or constituent element.

   I shall state the several momenta of the distinction in separate propositions.
   --Sir W. Hamilton.

3. A property of an activity or course of events, viewed as analogous to forward motion or to physical momentum (def. 1), such that the activity is believed to be able to continue moving forward without further application of force or effort; -- often used to describe an increase in the acquisition of public support for a purpose; as, as, the petition drive gained momentum when it was mentioned in the newspapers.

n. (plural of momentum English)

1. n. an impelling force or strength; "the car's momentum carried it off the road" [syn: impulse]

2. the product of a body's mass and its velocity; "the momentum of the particles was deduced from meteoritic velocities"

3. [also: momenta (pl)]

See momentum