redshift

or red shift

[ red-shift ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a shift toward longer wavelengths of the spectral lines emitted by a celestial object that is caused by the object moving away from the earth.

redshift

/ ˈredˌʃɪft /

noun

1. a shift in the lines of the spectrum of an astronomical object towards a longer wavelength (the red end of an optical spectrum), relative to the wavelength of these lines in the terrestrial spectrum, usually as a result of the Doppler effect caused by the recession of the object Compareblueshift

Word History and Origins

Origin of redshift¹

First recorded in 1920–25; red ¹ + shift

Example Sentences

The redshift of distant galaxies also helped reveal that the universe is expanding.

From Science News For Students

Blueshift and redshift can expose slight wobbles in stars’ motions.

From Science News For Students