two-body problem

[ too-bod-ee ]

noun

, Astronomy, Mechanics.

1. the problem of calculating the motions of two bodies in space moving solely under the influence of their mutual gravitational attraction.

Example Sentences

But remember: Whether you actually infect someone is a two-body problem.

From Seattle Times

“We solved the two-body problem!”

From New York Times

These days, married academics often talk of the two-body problem — the juggling of careers in the search of a university or company willing to hire both.

From New York Times

Alongside PrOACT, we thought about two other strategies related to dealing with the two-body problem, called ‘alternator’ and ‘complements’ strategies, which are outlined in a February 2018 Harvard Business Review article.

From Nature

When we first got together, I was unaware of the ‘two-body problem’ — the challenge academic couples face finding suitable and fulfilling jobs in the same locality.

From Nature