special relativity

noun

: relativity sense 3a

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In 1865, physicist James Clerk Maxwell drew the connection between these twin forces, setting the stage for Einstein to form his famed theory of special relativity. —Jennifer Leman, Popular Mechanics, 29 Mar. 2023

Einstein’s theory of special relativity. —Meg Neal, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2021

In special relativity, the speed of light is the ultimate speed limit to the universe. —Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2023

In other words, special relativity lays out important ideas such as the speed of light being the same for all observers, and the laws of physics holding true regardless of reference frame (e.g. on Earth or in a speeding rocket ship). —Sarah Wells, Popular Mechanics, 20 Dec. 2022

From discovering that Earth is a sphere to the theory of special relativity, science has readjusted our grasp of reality time and again. —Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 9 Dec. 2015

More specifically, though, special relativity states that no object with mass can match (or exceed) the speed of light. —Corey S Powell, Discover Magazine, 1 May 2013

Einstein’s theory came to be known as the special theory of relativity, or simply special relativity. —Sean Carroll, Quanta Magazine, 14 Nov. 2022

Entanglement seems to violate special relativity, which says that effects cannot propagate faster than the speed of light. —John Horgan, Scientific American, 24 Oct. 2022

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Word History

First Known Use

1919, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

special relativity

noun

: relativity sense 2a