energetic

Etymology 1

From New Latin energeticus (16th c.), or its source, Ancient Greek ἐνεργητικός (energētikós), from ἐνεργέω (energéō, “to be active”), from ἐνεργός (energós, “active”). By surface analysis, from energy + -etic.

adj

1. (sciences) Possessing or pertaining to energy.
   Cosmic rays are energetic particles from outer space.
   energetic laws
   Now lift the inverted jar so that the air can get at the outside of the “porous cup” and instantly the energetic illuminating gas which is now inside the “porous cup” begins to come out, and the water rises in the glass tube to take its place. 1898, Home Study for Electrical Workers, page 36
2. Characterised by force or vigour; full of energy; lively, vigorous.
   Those kids are so energetic: they want to run around playing all day.
   They are even now insulted with all the arguments which have been used in favor of energetic governments, ever since the days of Pharaoh: but every one knew, long before our revolution, that an energetic government could be supported […] 1801, Abraham Bishop, An Oration on the Extent and Power of Political Delusion, page 38
3. (obsolete) Having powerful effects; efficacious, potent.
   At these energetic sounds, the sun hid himself beneath a gloomy cloud; and the waters of two little lakes, that were naturally clearer than crystal, became of a colour like blood. 1816, William Beckford, Vathek, Oxford, published 2013, page 82

Etymology 2

Possibly from a clipping of energetic materials.

noun

1. (materials science, chiefly in the plural) Any material utilized for its release of energy, either as an explosive, propellant, or for pyrotechnic effects.
   Unfortunately, conventional nanoporous energetics can have poor long-term storage stability, and can be dangerously unstable, severely limiting their usefulness. 2014-02-25, James J . Myrick, Nanoparticles, Compositions, Manufacture and Applications, US Patent US-10858296-B1, column 106
   Improved energetics can help the Department of Defense build smaller munitions that still pack a punch. 2022-04-20, Nadia Schadlow, Brady Helwig, “Ukraine war shows America could be outgunned without investing in energetics”, in Breaking Defense, Breaking Media, archived from the original on 2022-04-20
   Where I will say there is something that we all have to watch is the underlying suppliers, the suppliers of solid rockets motors, of batteries, of energetics. 2023-03-13, 32:11 from the start, Arming Ukraine, in Joseph Camp, director, PBS NewsHour (television production), spoken by William LaPlante, via Public Broadcasting Service (PBS), archived from the original on 2023-03-10