curvature of space
noun Physics, Astronomy.
(in relativity) a property of space near massive bodies in which their gravitational field causes light to travel along curved paths.
(in cosmology) a large-scale property of the universe that has an algebraic sign that depends upon whether the density of matter and radiation of the universe exceeds, equals, or is less than the critical density, leading, respectively, to a closed universe with a positive sign, a flat universe with value zero, or an open universe with a negative sign.
Nearby words
curvature, curvature aberration, curvature hyperopia, curvature myopia, curvature of field, curvature of space, curve, curve ball, curve fitting, curve of occlusion, curvet
Origin of curvature of space
First recorded in 1915–20
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019