gravitational force

American  

[grav-i-tey-shuh-nl fawrs] / ˌgræv ɪˈteɪ ʃə nl ˈfɔrs /

Also G-force

noun

Aerospace,

1. a unit of acceleration equal to the acceleration of gravity at the earth's surface.

   Fighter pilots train to tolerate very high G-forces with breathing techniques and specialized equipment.

---

Etymology

Origin of gravitational force

First recorded in 1690–1710

Example Sentences

“The economics of this are a gravitational force that can’t be ignored by or overwritten by politics,” Dorris said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

She melted into a crowd led by Goodyear staff, directing the fans around the entirety of the blimp — tiny planets orbiting a sun, pulled in by a gravitational force of awe and admiration.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 27, 2025

This is because ISS microgravity, i.e. an enormously reduced gravitational force, minimizes effects of sedimentation and convection on structure formation.

From Science Daily • Apr. 25, 2024

Limbs and neck wrestling relentlessly with immense gravitational force.

From BBC • Mar. 25, 2024

The star would, however, continue to exert the same gravitational force on the spaceship, which would continue to orbit the black hole.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking