dark matter

noun

: nonluminous matter not yet directly detected by astronomers that is hypothesized to exist to account for various observed gravitational effects

Examples of dark matter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This has led scientists to suggest a whole host of hypothetical particles to account for dark matter, which go beyond the standard model of particle physics and the electrons, protons and neutrons that make up the atoms that compose all everyday matter, like stars, planets, moons and our bodies. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026

While it has never been directly observed, dark matter is believed to make up 85% of the total matter in the universe and can be detected due to its gravitational effects. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 8 Jan. 2026

Based on their understanding of dark matter’s behavior and the hierarchical process of galaxy formation, astronomers have long predicted that such starless objects should exist throughout the cosmos. —Jenna Ahart, Scientific American, 5 Jan. 2026

These characteristics require different detection methods than those used for heavier dark matter candidates. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for dark matter

• backscatter
• antimatter
• atter
• batter
• blatter
• catarrh
• chatter
• clatter
• fatter
• flatter
• hatter
• latter