redshift

noun

red·​shift ˈred-ˈshift How to pronounce redshift (audio)
: a displacement of the spectrum of a celestial body toward longer wavelengths that is a consequence of the Doppler effect or the gravitational field of the source
also : a measurement of a celestial body's redshift equal to the ratio of the displacement of a spectral line to its known unshifted wavelength and used especially to calculate the body's distance from earth
redshifted adjective

Examples of redshift in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This is because velocities induced by a local void and its gravitational effect slightly increase the redshift in addition to that caused by cosmic expansion. Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 July 2025 The gravitational effects of such a void add a small redshift to the light from distant objects—on top of the redshift caused by the overall expansion of the universe. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025 Every celestial object visible to the naked eye is too close to exhibit this effect and thus has a redshift of zero. Riis Williams, Scientific American, 13 June 2024 The earlier and thus further away an object is, the greater the redshift. Robert Lea, Space.com, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for redshift

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of redshift was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Redshift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/redshift. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

redshift

noun
red·​shift ˈred-ˈshift How to pronounce redshift (audio)
: displacement of a spectrum especially of a heavenly body toward longer wavelengths

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