Dictionary entry
degrees of freedom
also degree of freedom or DoF or DOF
Definition of degrees of freedom
-
: the number of independent variables, axes, or joint movements needed to describe the possible configuration or motion of a robot, mechanism, or physical system
- The six-degree-of-freedom arm can move in three directions and rotate around three axes.
- A dexterous humanoid hand may have many degrees of freedom, making both control and data collection more difficult.
Two meanings, one word
In everyday English
The amount of independence or choice available to someone or something.
In AI
The number of independent variables, axes, or joint movements needed to describe the possible configuration or motion of a robot, mechanism, or physical system.
Origin & history
The phrase degrees of freedom was recorded in scientific English by the early 1900s and became standard in mechanics before being applied to robot arms, hands, vehicles, and humanoid bodies.
Test yourself
Which of these is the meaning of degrees of freedom?
Cite this entry
"Degrees of freedom." AI Dictionary, Dadgogo, https://dadgogo.com/dictionary/degrees-of-freedom/. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.