dark energy

American  

[dahrk en-er-jee] / ˈdɑrk ˈɛn ər dʒi /

noun

1. a hypothetical form of energy whose negative pressure counteracts gravity and is assumed to be responsible for the universe expanding at an accelerating rate.

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dark energy Scientific  

1. A form of energy hypothesized to reside in the structure of space itself, responsible for the accelerating expansion of the universe. Dark energy theoretically counterbalances the kinetic energy of the universe's expansion, entailing that that the universe has no inherent curvature, as astronomical observations currently suggest. Dark energy appears to account for 73 percent of all the energy and matter in the universe.

2. See also big bang

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dark energy Cultural  

1. An as yet unknown and unidentified form of energy that pervades the universe and produces a force that counteracts the gravitational attraction between galaxies.

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Discover More

Dark energy is thought to be responsible for the accelerating universe.

Etymology

Origin of dark energy

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

In today's leading model of cosmology, most of the universe is invisible: about 95 percent of the universe is made up of dark matter and dark energy.

From Science Daily

Those galaxy shape measurements help scientists refine estimates of how mass is spread through the universe and how dark energy behaves.

From Science Daily

Dark matter provides extra gravity that helps shape galaxies and clusters, while dark energy is linked to the universe's accelerating expansion.

From Science Daily

While the Standard Model has been highly successful, it does not explain phenomena such as dark matter, dark energy or gravity.

From Science Daily

Did you know that Dark Energy Camera has a resolution of 570 megapixel, almost 12 times more powerful than a modern mobile phone camera.

From Space Scoop