cosmological constant

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. a term introduced by Einstein into his field equations of general relativity to permit a stationary, nonexpanding universe: it has since been abandoned in most models of the universe.

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Etymology

Origin of cosmological constant

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

However, Einstein's equations also include another factor known as the cosmological constant, often associated with "dark energy."

From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026

"The new data seem to indicate that the cosmological constant is negative, and that the universe will end in a big crunch."

From Science Daily • Feb. 16, 2026

Their approach attempts to illuminate a cosmological constant as well as the properties of leptons and quarks.

From Salon • Nov. 13, 2024

A cosmological constant is a famous part of Einstein's General Relativity theory, and refers to an arbitrary constant that is present in all related field equations.

From Salon • Nov. 13, 2024

Even in regions where there were more matter particles than average, the gravitational attraction of the matter would have been outweighed by the repulsion of the effective cosmological constant.

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