Momentum

From Latin momentum.

Full definition of momentum

(plural momentums or momenta)

(physics) (of a body in motion) The tendency of a body to maintain its inertial motion; the product of its mass and velocity.
The impetus, either of a body in motion, or of an idea or course of events. (i.e: a moment)

1843, Nathaniel Hawthorne, "The Old Apple Dealer", in Mosses from an Old ManseThe travellers swarm forth from the cars. All are full of the momentum which they have caught from their mode of conveyance.
1882, Thomas Hardy, Two on a TowerTheir intention to become husband and wife, at first halting and timorous, had accumulated momentum with the lapse of hours, till it now bore down every obstacle in its course.
14 September 2013, Jane Shilling, The Golden Thread: the Story of Writing, by Ewan Clayton, review [print edition: Illuminating language], Though his account of written communication over the past 5,000 years necessarily has a powerful forward momentum, his diversions down the fascinating byways of the subject are irresistible ...