gravitational constant

[grav-i-tey-shuh-nl kon-stuhnt]

noun

Physics, Astronomy.

1. a universal physical constant used in calculating the attraction between two masses​. G

gravitational constant

noun

1. G. the factor relating force to mass and distance in Newton's law of gravitation. It is a universal constant with the value 6.673 × 10 ^–11 N m² kg ^–2

gravitational constant

1. A constant relating the force of the gravitational attraction between two bodies to their masses and their distance from each other in Newton's law of gravitation. The gravitational constant equals approximately 6.67259 × 10 ⁻¹¹ newton square meters per square kilogram. Its symbol is G.

2. See more at Newton's law of gravitation

Word History and Origins

Origin of gravitational constant¹

First recorded in 1805–10