dark energy

American  

[dahrk en-er-jee] / ˈdɑrk ˈɛn ər dʒi /

noun

1. a hypothetical form of energy whose negative pressure counteracts gravity and is assumed to be responsible for the universe expanding at an accelerating rate.

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dark energy Scientific  

1. A form of energy hypothesized to reside in the structure of space itself, responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe. Dark energy theoretically counterbalances the kinetic energy of the universe's expansion, entailing that that the universe has no inherent curvature, as astronomical observations currently suggest. Dark energy appears to account for 73 percent of all the energy and matter in the universe.

2. See also big bang

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dark energy Cultural  

1. An as yet unknown and unidentified form of energy that pervades the universe and produces a force that counteracts the gravitational attraction between galaxies.

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Discover More

Dark energy is thought to be responsible for the accelerating universe.

Etymology

Origin of dark energy

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Using newly released data from major dark energy observatories, he concludes that the cosmos will continue expanding for roughly another 11 billion years before reaching its largest size.

From Science Daily

Both projects aim to better understand dark energy, which makes up about 68% of the mass and energy in the universe.

From Science Daily

Their goal is to test whether dark energy is simply a constant property of space itself.

From Science Daily

Something additional may be influencing how dark energy behaves.

From Science Daily

Hundreds of researchers are studying millions of galaxies and measuring the distances between them to refine estimates of dark energy.

From Science Daily