relativity

relativity
relativity el`a*tiv"i*ty (-t?v"?-t?), n. 1. The state of being relative; as, the relativity of a subject. --Coleridge. [1913 Webster]

2. One of two theories (also called {theory of relativity}) proposed by Albert Einstein, the {special theory of relativity}, or the {general theory of relativity}. The {special theory of relativity} or {special relativity} is based on the proposition that the speed of light is a constant no matter how observed, and is independent of the motion of the observer. From this follows several principles, such as the increase of mass with velocity (which has been confirmed: see {relativistic mass equation}) and the impossibility of acceleration to a speed greater than that of light; the equivalence of mass and energy, expressed by the famous equation E = mc^{2}; and time dilation, which is the apparent slowing of a clock in a system, as observed by an observer in a system moving relative to the clock. The {general theory of relativity} is based on the proposition that there is no physical difference between gravitational force and the force produced by acceleration. From this follow several results, of which the bending of light rays in a gravitational field and the equivalence of the inertial and gravitational masses have been verified. The possible existence of {black holes} (believed by many astronomers to have been adequately proven) is another consequence of the theory. [PJC]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

Игры ⚽ Поможем сделать НИР

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Relativity — may refer to:Physics* Special relativity, a theory of physics formulated by Albert Einstein * General relativity, Einstein s theory of gravitation * Albert Einstein s theory of relativity, which refers to both special relativity and general… …   Wikipedia

  • relativity — [rel΄ə tiv′ə tē] n. 1. the condition, fact, or quality of being relative 2. the close dependence of one occurrence, value, quality, etc. on another 3. Philos. a) RELATIVISM b) RELATIVITY OF KNOWLEDGE 4. Physics …   English World dictionary

  • Relativity — Titre original Relativity Genre Série dramatique Créateur(s) Jason Katims Pays d’origine  États Unis …   Wikipédia en Français

  • relativity — 1834, fact or condition of being relative, from relative (adj.) (see RELATIVE (Cf. relative) (n.)); first attested in Coleridge. In scientific use, connected to the theory of Albert Einstein (1879 1955), published 1905 (special theory of… …   Etymology dictionary

  • relativity — theory …   Philosophy dictionary

  • relativity — index analogy, chain (nexus), proportion Burton s Legal Thesaurus. William C. Burton. 2006 …   Law dictionary

  • relativity — ► NOUN 1) the absence of standards of absolute and universal application. 2) Physics a description of matter, energy, space, and time according to Einstein s theories based on the importance of relative motion and the principle that the speed of… …   English terms dictionary

  • relativity — /rel euh tiv i tee/, n. 1. the state or fact of being relative. 2. Physics. a theory, formulated essentially by Albert Einstein, that all motion must be defined relative to a frame of reference and that space and time are relative, rather than… …   Universalium

  • relativity — noun (plural ties) Date: circa 1834 1. a. the quality or state of being relative b. something that is relative 2. the state of being dependent for existence on or determined in nature, value, or quality by relation to something else 3. a. a… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • relativity — (Roget s IV) n. 1. [The physical theory of the relativity and interdependence of matter, time, and space] Syn. restricted relativity, special relativity, theory of general relativity, the curvilinear universe, the denial of the absolute, time as… …   English dictionary for students

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”