cybernetics

Pronunciation: si'ber-net'iks

Definition

1. The comparative study of computers and the human nervous system, with intent to explain the functioning of the brain.
2. The science of control and communication in both living and nonliving systems; characteristically, control is governed by feedback, that is, by communication within the system concerning the difference between the actual and the desired result, action then being modified so as to minimize this difference.

[G. kybernetica, things pertaining to control or piloting]

See Also: feedback