rest energy

noun

, Physics.

1. the energy equivalent to the mass of a particle at rest in an inertial frame of reference, equal to the rest mass times the square of the speed of light.

rest energy

/ rĕst /

1. In Special Relativity, the energy corresponding to the rest mass of a body, equal to the rest mass multiplied by the speed of light squared.
2. See more at mass-energy equivalence

Word History and Origins

Origin of rest energy¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

Ms. Abramovic said that the piece that best represented their romance and collaboration was “Rest Energy,” from 1980.

From New York Times

One of their pieces, Rest Energy, performed in Dublin in 1980, saw them balance each other on opposite sides of a drawn bow and arrow, with the arrow pointed at Abramović’s heart; one slip from Ulay and he could have killed her.

From The Guardian

Three years later, the work Rest Energy saw Ulay point a drawn bow and arrow at Abramović’s heart – a slight movement of one finger could have killed her.

From The Guardian

At one point, two dancers are arranged by the others to rest towards each other in a sort of inverse position to Marina Abramovic and Ulay’s famous Rest Energy piece.

From The Guardian

But beyond the immediate affirmation of restating our moral convictions, I confess my nagging worry that ceaseless statement-writing as an act of protest is sucking us dry — of time, rest, energy, creativity and our place in the public square.

From New York Times