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

It could also help scientists better understand dark matter and dark energy.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

These observations could provide another way to verify cosmic birefringence and may help scientists uncover deeper insights into the nature of dark energy.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

Astronomers may be getting closer to understanding one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology: dark energy, the unknown force believed to be driving the accelerating expansion of the universe.

From Science Daily • Mar. 16, 2026

If you could place yourself in the middle of a cosmic void, you would effectively be surrounded by dark energy.

From Science Daily • Mar. 10, 2026

According to the Big Bang theory, the universe came into being in one single moment—a cosmic cataclysm that gave birth to black holes, brown dwarfs, matter and dark matter, energy and dark energy.

From "Everything, Everything" by Nicola Yoon