law of gravitation

American  

[law uhv grav-i-tey-shuhn] / ˈlɔ əv ˌgræv ɪˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

Physics.

1. a law stating that any two masses attract each other with a force equal to a constant (​called thegravitational constant ) multiplied by the product of the two masses and divided by the square of the distance between them.

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law of gravitation Scientific  

1. See Newton's law of gravitation

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Etymology

Origin of law of gravitation

First recorded in 1755–65

Example Sentences

If this alternative gravity theory is correct, it would be a "major revolution," Loeb said, emphasizing it would be at the scale of Newton's law of gravitation and Einstein's law of gravity.

From Salon • Oct. 28, 2021

A universal law of gravitation that is truly universal renders the up there/down here distinction meaningless, at least physically.

From Scientific American • Aug. 15, 2019

The universal law of gravitation is a good example of a physical principle that is very broadly applicable.

From Textbooks • Aug. 12, 2015

Having a new and independent way of measuring G could therefore enable physicists to redefine how the law of gravitation works.

From Nature • Jun. 17, 2014

Thus the doctrine of mechanics is an application of the law of gravitation.

From Heads of Lectures on a Course of Experimental Philosophy: Particularly Including Chemistry by Priestley, Joseph