FitzGerald contraction

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of FitzGerald contraction¹

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

Example Sentences

Of course, the Crew had experienced only about four weeks, thanks to the Fitzgerald Contraction.

From Project Gutenberg

But the Fitzgerald Contraction had telescoped those nine years into just a few months, for the people of the Valhalla.

From Project Gutenberg