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.

---

Other Word Forms

• antigravitational adjective
• gravitationally adverb

Etymology

Origin of gravitational

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

Example Sentences

By modeling subtle changes in the planet's brightness as it moves, researchers determined that intense gravitational forces from the much heavier pulsar are stretching the planet into its lemon-like shape.

From Science Daily

Because of Mars' stretched orbit and gravitational influences from other bodies, the time difference can vary by as much as 226 microseconds per day throughout the Martian year.

From Science Daily

The unusual motions of galaxies and the stars within them suggest that large amounts of unseen matter are exerting gravitational pull.

From Science Daily

She melted into a crowd led by Goodyear staff, directing the fans around the entirety of the blimp — tiny planets orbiting a sun, pulled in by a gravitational force of awe and admiration.

From Los Angeles Times

Three colliding forces will determine the answer: the endurance of the gravitational pull of capital toward technology, the stability or instability of American institutions, and a rising tide of fiscal dominance.

From Barron's