gravitational wave

noun Astronomy, Physics.

(in general relativity) a propagating wave of gravitational energy produced by accelerating masses, especially during catastrophic events, as the gravitational collapse of massive stars.

Origin of gravitational wave

First recorded in 1895–1900

Also called gravity wave.

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British Dictionary definitions for gravitational wave

gravitational wave

noun

physics another name for gravity wave

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012