gravitational wave

grav·i·ta·tion wave

G g

Definitions of gravitational wave words

noun gravitational wave (in general relativity) a propagating wave of gravitational energy produced by accelerating masses, especially during catastrophic events, as the gravitational collapse of massive stars. 1
noun gravitational wave a wave-like motion in a gravitational field, produced when a mass is accelerated or otherwise disturbed; they travel through spacetime at the speed of light and the strongest sources are those with the strongest gravitational fields, although the waves are very weak; predicted by Einstein in 1916 but not first observed directly until 2015 0
noun gravitational wave a hypothetical wave of very weak gravitational energy that travels through space at the speed of light: thought to be caused by the sudden acceleration of a large mass 0
noun gravitational wave (physics) A postulated fluctuation in spacetime that propagates as a wave at the speed of light. 0

before 1895

One of the 18% newest English words

First recorded in 1895-1900

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exclamation

This term is known only to a narrow circle of people with rare knowledge. Only 2% of English native speakers know the meaning of this word.

According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

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