dark energy

[dahrk en-er-jee]

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.

dark energy

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

dark energy

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of dark energy¹

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

Did you know that Dark Energy Camera has a resolution of 570 megapixel, almost 12 times more powerful than a modern mobile phone camera.

Read more on Space Scoop

That’s when people begin to feel the crackle of dark energy in the theater.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This close match between simulation and observation further supports the validity of the dynamic dark energy model.

Read more on Science Daily

The force responsible for this acceleration is called dark energy, a mysterious property of spacetime thought to push galaxies apart.

Read more on Science Daily

Yet, it leaves one key question unresolved: what if dark energy changes over time instead of remaining fixed?

Read more on Science Daily