Big Rip

noun

astronomy
: a hypothetical cosmological event in which all matter in the universe loses cohesion and which is posited to be a possible fate of the universe if the outward acceleration of matter continues
If the amount of dark energy increases with time, the future will be spectacular. The disruptive force would begin by tearing galaxies apart, then stars, and then—planets and any people who are around at the time. This scenario is the Big Rip.James Trefil
compare big bang, big crunch

Word History

First Known Use

2003, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Big Rip was in 2003

Dictionary Entries Near Big Rip

Cite this Entry

“Big Rip.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Big%20Rip. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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