cosmological constant

noun

: a constant term used in the relativistic equations for gravity to represent a repulsive force which may account in part for the rate of expansion of the universe

Examples of cosmological constant in a Sentence

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If dark energy were to remain at w = -1, that would be the equivalent of having a cosmological constant, leading to the heat death scenario outlined previously. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 3 Oct. 2025 This model aligns well with the new data and points to a negative underlying cosmological constant. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025 Both projects were organized to determine if the 68 percent of all mass and energy, collectively termed dark matter, originates from a pure cosmological constant. Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 1 Oct. 2025 However, in this model, there's another component: the cosmological constant. Paul Sutter, Space.com, 24 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cosmological constant

Word History

First Known Use

1928, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmological constant was in 1928

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Cite this Entry

“Cosmological constant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmological%20constant. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

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