general relativity

noun

1. Physics. relativity2

General Relativity

/ jĕn′ər-əl /

1. A geometrical theory of gravity developed by Albert Einstein in which gravity's effects are a consequence of the curvature of four-dimensional space-time. According to this theory, the energy and momentum of all matter and radiation cause curvature in space-time, in a way similar to the creation of electric and magnetic fields by electric charges and currents. This curvature also opens the possibility that the universe is closed, having finite volume but without any boundary. Among the many experimentally confirmed consequences of General Relativity are the perihelion precession of the planet Mercury, the bending of light in a gravitational field, and the slowing of time in a gravitational field.
2. See also closed universe

Example Sentences

“In this approach the currently fixed geometry of quantum theory, tied to the Born rule for quantum probabilities, becomes dynamical, in analogy with dynamical spacetime metric of general relativity,” Minic said.

From Salon

Einstein's theory of general relativity explains that gravity is caused by a curvature of the directions of space and time.

From Science Daily

For the last 100 years, physicists have relied upon Albert Einstein's theory of "general relativity" to explain how gravity works throughout the universe.

From Science Daily

That's because JWST-ER1g acts as a lens and bends light from a distant source, which then appears as a ring -- a phenomenon called strong gravitational lensing, predicted in Einstein's theory of general relativity.

From Science Daily

Past eclipses have enabled scientists to study the sun’s structure, provide the first proof of Einstein’s theory of general relativity and even discover helium decades before the element was found on Earth.

From Los Angeles Times