theory of relativity

noun

, Physics.

1. relativity ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of theory of relativity¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

Wigner realized that using principles derived from Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, he could describe all the possible elementary particles in the universe, even those that hadn't been discovered yet.

From Science Daily

High-energy muons traveling at near–light-speed endure longer, for milliseconds, because of the time dilation predicted by Einstein’s theory of relativity.

From Science Magazine

The general theory of relativity, published by Albert Einstein over a century ago, predicted that black holes could have any mass.

From Science Daily

Here, the theory goes, all physical laws, including Einstein's general theory of relativity, no longer apply; the principle of causality is suspended.

From Science Daily

All the advancements of art and science—electricity, the internal combustion engine, the theory of relativity, cubism—had to be explained, and even then they often didn’t make sense.

From Literature

Related Words

• relativity