dark energy

noun

: a hypothetical form of energy that produces a force that opposes gravity and is thought to be the cause of the accelerating expansion of the universe

Examples of dark energy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By tracing the distribution of galaxies throughout the universe’s history, the telescope can also uncover more about dark energy. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Oct. 2024 Meanwhile, the existence of dark energy helps researchers explain why the universe is expanding — and why that expansion is speeding up. Jackie Wattles, CNN, 26 Oct. 2024 Our best model of the universe — a set of equations describing the evolution of matter and radiation along with dark energy and dark matter — is not dead yet. Rebecca Boyle, Quanta Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 Could a new form of dark energy resolve the problem? Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dark energy 

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dark energy was in 1998

Dictionary Entries Near dark energy

Cite this Entry

“Dark energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20energy. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!