flat universe

If there is just enough matter in the universe for its gravitational force to bring the expansion associated with the big bang to a stop in an infinitely long time, the universe is said to be flat. The flat universe is the dividing line between an open universe and a closed universe.

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Nearby words

flat spot, flat tax, flat tire, flat top, flat tuning, flat universe, flat wart, flat white, flat-bed lorry, flat-bed plotter, flat-bed press

Note

Most theorists believe that the universe is flat.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.