cosmological constant

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a term introduced by Einstein into his field equations of general relativity to permit a stationary, nonexpanding universe: it has since been abandoned in most models of the universe.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cosmological constant¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

A cosmological constant is a famous part of Einstein's General Relativity theory, and refers to an arbitrary constant that is present in all related field equations.

From Salon

Theorists could account for this force by adding a cosmological constant, lambda, to Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity.

From Science Magazine

One is that dark energy is a cosmological constant, an unchanging property of space, which would mean that the universe would continue to expand indefinitely, sweeping far-off objects forever beyond our local point of view.

From Scientific American

It assumes dark energy is just a property of empty space called a cosmological constant, Lambda, and dark matter is just cold invisible stuff, hence CDM.

From Science Magazine

In a Universe explained by Einstein's theory with a cosmological constant, black holes are immersed in a cosmological accelerated background.

From Science Daily