relativity
noun
rel·a·tiv·i·ty
ˌre-lə-ˈti-və-tē 
plural relativities
1
a
: the quality or state of being relative
b
: something that is relative
2
: the state of being dependent for existence on or determined in nature, value, or quality by relation to something else
3
a
: a theory which is based on the two postulates (1) that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant and independent of the source or observer and (2) that the mathematical forms of the laws of physics are invariant in all inertial systems and which leads to the assertion of the equivalence of mass and energy and of change in mass, dimension, and time with increased velocity
called also special relativity, special theory of relativity
b
: an extension of the theory to include gravitation and related acceleration phenomena
called also general relativity, general theory of relativity
Examples of relativity in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
My team showed how to use the relativity principle in conjunction with the principles of quantum information theory to account for quantum entangled particles.
—
William Mark Stuckey, The Conversation, 30 July 2024
The most groundbreaking innovations, from the theory of relativity to the invention of the internet, emerged not from data analysis but from a human’s capacity to dream beyond the existing framework.
—Rob Reilly, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2024
In quantum field theory, a combination of quantum physics and Einstein’s relativity leads to a crucial relationship between a resonant frequency and the mass of an elementary particle: The more rapidly a stationary particle vibrates, the greater its mass.
—Matt Strassler, Quanta Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
With space and time so intimately linked in relativity, any account of how space emerges must also explain time.
—Adam Becker, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022
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William Mark Stuckey, The Conversation, 30 July 2024
The most groundbreaking innovations, from the theory of relativity to the invention of the internet, emerged not from data analysis but from a human’s capacity to dream beyond the existing framework.
—Rob Reilly, Rolling Stone, 10 Sep. 2024
In quantum field theory, a combination of quantum physics and Einstein’s relativity leads to a crucial relationship between a resonant frequency and the mass of an elementary particle: The more rapidly a stationary particle vibrates, the greater its mass.
—Matt Strassler, Quanta Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024
With space and time so intimately linked in relativity, any account of how space emerges must also explain time.
—Adam Becker, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2022
See all Example Sentences for relativity
Dictionary Entries Near relativity
Cite this Entry
“Relativity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relativity. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
relativity
noun
rel·a·tiv·i·ty
ˌrel-ə-ˈtiv-ət-ē
plural relativities
1
: the quality or state of being relative
especially
: dependence on something else
2
a
: a theory in physics that considers mass and energy to be equal and that states that a moving object will experience changes in mass, size, and time which are related to its speed and are not noticeable except at speeds approaching that of light
b
: an extension of relativity theory to include gravity and its related acceleration effects
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