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

See Examples For:

dark energy

Scientists estimate that so-called dark matter and dark energy make up 95% of the universe, and shedding more, er, light on them could unveil more about how the universe was created.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026

As for dark energy, scientists long thought its strength has remained constant throughout the universe’s history.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026

Nasa's powerful next-generation telescope has blasted off into space from its launchpad in Florida, with a mission to explore dark energy, black holes and other mysteries of the Universe.

From BBC ● Aug. 30, 2026

While Hubble revealed that the universe is expanding faster than previously thought, Roman will seek to answer some of the other unsolved mysteries, including those of dark matter and dark energy.

From Barron's ● Aug. 30, 2026

A bolt of dark energy shot toward me, but I deflected it off my blade and slammed into him.

From "The Last Olympian" by Rick Riordan