dark matter

noun

: nonluminous matter not yet directly detected by astronomers that is hypothesized to exist to account for various observed gravitational effects

Examples of dark matter 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.
Then in September, a separate group of physicists pointed out (opens a new tab) that another dark matter candidate sometimes called fuzzy dark matter could do the trick as well. Quanta Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Conor is a regular contributor to Discover Magazine, with his work also appearing in New Scientist, Nautilus Magazine, Live Science, and New Humanist among others. galaxies space exploration dark matter 1 free article left Want More? Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 Scientists suggest that an unusual form of dark matter may be the solution. Quanta Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 Read More: How Galaxies Live, Breathe and Die Future Research of Galaxy Formation Chamba says that researchers are working on how more mysterious mechanisms, such as the dispersion of dark matter, might influence star formation in galaxies. Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dark matter 

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dark matter was in 1933

Dictionary Entries Near dark matter

Cite this Entry

“Dark matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20matter. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on dark matter

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!