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
Recent Examples on the Web
The fact that the vacuum energy density the cosmological constant has, this very tiny value is certainly one of the most puzzling.
—
Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 26 July 2023
Chief among them is the cosmological constant, which is essentially the mathematical equivalent of dark energy.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 13 July 2023
And the cosmological constant, in turn, is thought to get its energy from the vacuum.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2023
In other words, if dark energy is the cosmological constant, then w should equal -1.
—Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 30 June 2023
At this point, the cosmological constant came back into fashion as a possible explanation for this mysterious form of energy.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2023
This is known as the cosmological constant problem.
—Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2023
This is sort of the cosmological constant.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 22 Feb. 2023
So one thing about a cosmological constant.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 22 Feb. 2023
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Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 26 July 2023
Chief among them is the cosmological constant, which is essentially the mathematical equivalent of dark energy.
—Darren Orf, Popular Mechanics, 13 July 2023
And the cosmological constant, in turn, is thought to get its energy from the vacuum.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2023
In other words, if dark energy is the cosmological constant, then w should equal -1.
—Ramin Skibba, WIRED, 30 June 2023
At this point, the cosmological constant came back into fashion as a possible explanation for this mysterious form of energy.
—Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 24 Apr. 2023
This is known as the cosmological constant problem.
—Briley Lewis, Popular Science, 20 Mar. 2023
This is sort of the cosmological constant.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 22 Feb. 2023
So one thing about a cosmological constant.
—Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 22 Feb. 2023
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cosmological constant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1928, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of cosmological constant was
in 1928
Dictionary Entries Near cosmological constant
Cite this Entry
“Cosmological constant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cosmological%20constant. Accessed 6 Dec. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on cosmological constant
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cosmological constant
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