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

Instead, it reflects dark matter's gravitational pull drawing normal matter toward it throughout the history of the Universe.

From Science Daily

It is the clearest gravitational wave signal ever recorded from a pair of merging black holes, giving researchers an unusually sharp tool for testing Albert Einstein's theory of gravity, called general relativity.

From Science Daily

"Future gravitational wave observations from that mission may be able to detect the mergers of these tiny, early, rapidly growing baby black holes," says Dr. Regan.

From Science Daily

The same strategy could also improve atom interferometers, which are used to measure the Earth's gravitational acceleration.

From Science Daily

Although Europa's surface is geologically active due to Jupiter's gravitational forces, most of that motion occurs sideways rather than downward, limiting direct exchange between the surface and the ocean.

From Science Daily