special relativity

noun

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 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'special relativity.' 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

1919, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of special relativity was in 1919

Dictionary Entries Near special relativity

Cite this Entry

“Special relativity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/special%20relativity. Accessed 5 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

special relativity

noun

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