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• general relativity
  general relativity

  noun

  relativity2
• General Relativity
  General Relativity

  A geometrical theory of gravity developed by Albert Einstein in which gravity's effects are a consequence of the curvature of four-dimensional space-time. According to this theory, the energy and momentum of all matter and radiation cause curvature in space-time, in a way similar to the creation of electric and magnetic fields by electric charges and currents. This curvature also opens the possibility that the universe is closed, having finite volume but without any boundary. Among the many experimentally confirmed consequences of General Relativity are the perihelion precession of the planet Mercury, the bending of light in a gravitational field, and the slowing of time in a gravitational field.

general relativity

American  

noun

1. Physics. relativity2

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General Relativity Scientific  

/ jĕn′ər-əl /

1. A geometrical theory of gravity developed by Albert Einstein in which gravity's effects are a consequence of the curvature of four-dimensional space-time. According to this theory, the energy and momentum of all matter and radiation cause curvature in space-time, in a way similar to the creation of electric and magnetic fields by electric charges and currents. This curvature also opens the possibility that the universe is closed, having finite volume but without any boundary. Among the many experimentally confirmed consequences of General Relativity are the perihelion precession of the planet Mercury, the bending of light in a gravitational field, and the slowing of time in a gravitational field.

2. See also closed universe equivalence principle Special Relativity

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

general relativity General Relativity

To understand these cosmic objects, physicists rely on Einstein's theory of general relativity and quantum mechanics.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 13, 2026

The cosmological constant first appeared in Albert Einstein's equations of general relativity, his theory of space, time, and gravity.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 19, 2026

Einstein’s general relativity explains gravity as the bending of space and time.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 18, 2026

As the two black holes orbit each other, they gradually lose energy through the emission of gravitational waves, a process predicted by Einstein's theory of general relativity.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 5, 2026

The only way out was to “correct” his equations of general relativity to stave off the impending destruction.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

At low energies and under conditions of weak spacetime curvature, the equations of Gravity from Entropy reproduce General Relativity.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 21, 2026

One of the first experiments frozen positronium could be used for is to see if its antimatter part follows Einstein's Theory of General Relativity in the same way as the matter part.

From BBC ● Feb. 22, 2024

The work validated “Einstein’s General Relativity in situations where gravity is so strong that spacetime is significantly curved,’’ the judges said.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 11, 2023

It is said that Einstein was indifferent when told that experimental findings found evidence to support his theory of General Relativity.

From Salon ● Jun. 13, 2021

If such bodies pass between us and a star, they will not block the star’s light, being too small, but they will form a gravitational lens, as discussed in General Relativity and Quantum Gravity.

From Textbooks ● Aug. 12, 2015