A "newton" is a unit of measurement used in physics to quantify force. It is defined as the amount of force required to accelerate a one-kilogram mass by one meter per second squared. The unit is named after Sir Isaac Newton, a prominent scientist known for his laws of motion and universal gravitation. In the International System of Units (SI), the newton is represented by the symbol "N." It is a derived unit, meaning it is based on other fundamental units, specifically kilograms for mass, meters for distance, and seconds for time.