FitzGerald contraction

American  

noun

Physics.

1. the hypothesis that a moving body exhibits a contraction in the direction of motion when its velocity is close to the speed of light.

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Etymology

Origin of FitzGerald contraction

First recorded in 1915–20; named after G. F. FitzGerald

Example Sentences

So fast was his action, The Fitzgerald contraction, Reduced his rapier to a disk.

From New York Times

Finally, everyone loves limericks, and here’s one about the Fitzgerald contraction mentioned in problem 2.

From New York Times

But because of the Fitzgerald Contraction, a man who shipped out to space could never live a normal life on Earth again.

From Project Gutenberg

But one necessary factor was involved in slower-than-light interstellar travel, one which the Cavour drive would have averted: the Fitzgerald Contraction.

From Project Gutenberg

Spacer and Earther, held apart forever by the inexorable mathematics of the Fitzgerald Contraction, came to regard each other with a bitter sort of distaste.

From Project Gutenberg