dark matter
noun
: nonluminous matter not yet directly detected by astronomers that is hypothesized to exist to account for various observed gravitational effects
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The blue band represents the predictions from a dark matter-and-dark energy dominated Universe that follows the rules of Einstein’s general relativity, while the yellow band represents the predictions from a dark matter-free Universe that follows the rules of MOND.
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Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026
This model, for instance, simplifies by not fully accounting for how dark subhaloes affect the smooth overall dark matter potential.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Its compact structure has been difficult to explain using conventional models, but a dense dark matter clump could act as a gravitational anchor, pulling stars together.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Apr. 2026
PBHs have also been considered as a possible constituent of dark matter, the invisible matter permeating the universe that outweighs normal matter by a factor of about five.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
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Big Think, 21 Apr. 2026
This model, for instance, simplifies by not fully accounting for how dark subhaloes affect the smooth overall dark matter potential.
—Paul Sutter, Space.com, 20 Apr. 2026
Its compact structure has been difficult to explain using conventional models, but a dense dark matter clump could act as a gravitational anchor, pulling stars together.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Apr. 2026
PBHs have also been considered as a possible constituent of dark matter, the invisible matter permeating the universe that outweighs normal matter by a factor of about five.
—Phil Plait, Scientific American, 27 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for dark matter
Cite this Entry
“Dark matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20matter. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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