relativistic

adjective

rel·​a·​tiv·​is·​tic ˌre-lə-ti-ˈvi-stik 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by relativity or relativism

2

: moving at a velocity such that there is a significant change in properties (such as mass) in accordance with the theory of relativity

a relativistic electron

relativistically

ˌre-lə-ti-ˈvi-sti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of relativistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Einstein’s flying mirror A research team under the leadership of Peter Norreys, a professor of inertial physics at the University of Oxford, used the Gemini Laser at the Central Laser Facility to generate coherent extreme ultraviolet (XUV) and X-ray photons using relativistic harmonic generation. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 14 May 2026

The stack of runaway relativistic avalanches could explain the gamma rays. —Quanta Magazine, 6 May 2026

The problem is viewing it from a special relativistic perspective. —Big Think, 1 May 2026

Many other traditionalists have made a version of Scruton’s critique, insisting that contemporary art reflects self-indulgent, relativistic, and impious tendencies. —Luis Parrales, The Atlantic, 28 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for relativistic

• anachronistic
• animalistic
• antagonistic
• antiphlogistic
• behavioristic
• cannibalistic
• capitalistic
• characteristic
• collectivistic
• deterministic
• ethnolinguistic
• expressionistic

Kids Definition

relativistic

adjective

rel·​a·​tiv·​is·​tic ˌrel-ət-iv-ˈis-tik 

: of, relating to, or characterized by relativity

relativistically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb