gravitational

American  

[grav-i-tey-shuh-nl] / ˌgræv ɪˈteɪ ʃə nl /

adjective

1. Physics. of or relating to the force of attraction between two masses.

   The gravitational effect of the moon causes the rise and fall of ocean tides.

2. of or relating to a strong movement or natural tendency toward something or someone.

   Their gravitational attraction to self-destructive behavior has been the subject of much study.

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Other Word Forms

• antigravitational adjective
• gravitationally adverb

Etymology

Origin of gravitational

First recorded in 1850–55; gravitation ( def. ) + -al ¹ ( def. )

Example Sentences

The model also predicts a minimum level of primordial gravitational waves, which are tiny ripples in spacetime created shortly after the Big Bang.

From Science Daily

"Light doesn't travel in a straight line in a gravitational field because space itself is curved," he said.

From Science Daily

The gravitational forces involved disrupted the SMC's structure and scattered its stars into disorganized motion.

From Science Daily

Its gravitational pull bends the light traveling from the explosion toward us.

From Science Daily

This gravitational effect makes it difficult for stars to travel far outward from the galactic center.

From Science Daily