time dilation

noun

: a slowing of time in accordance with the theory of relativity that occurs in a system in motion relative to an outside observer and that becomes apparent especially as the speed of the system approaches that of light

called also time dilatation

Examples of time dilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Here’s a rundown of some of the big news from the first 24 hours of the meeting which, due to some weird kind of relativistic time dilation, represents about a week for our intrepid reporters. —

Adam Feuerstein , Matthew Herper, STAT, 1 June 2024 Fascinatingly, relativistic effects, such as time dilation and length contraction, start to happen when speeds exceed one-tenth the speed of light. —

Isaac Schultz / Gizmodo, Quartz, 2 Apr. 2024 High-energy muons traveling at near–light-speed endure longer, for milliseconds, because of the time dilation predicted by Einstein’s theory of relativity. —

Byadrian Cho, science.org, 28 Mar. 2024 Researchers have confirmed that the effects of time dilation are present in the very early universe. —

Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 6 July 2023 See all Example Sentences for time dilation

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

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of time dilation was in 1934

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Time dilation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/time%20dilation. Accessed 26 Jul. 2024.

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