relativistic

[ rel-uh-tuh-vis-tik ]

/ ˌrɛl ə təˈvɪs tɪk /

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adjective

of or relating to relativity or relativism.

Physics.

subject to the special or the general theory of relativity.
(of a velocity) having a magnitude that is a significant fraction of the speed of light.
(of a particle) having a relativistic velocity: radiation from relativistic electrons.

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Origin of relativistic

First recorded in 1885–90; relativist + -ic

OTHER WORDS FROM relativistic

rel·a·tiv·is·ti·cal·ly, adverbul·tra·rel·a·tiv·is·tic, adjectiveun·rel·a·tiv·is·tic, adjective

Words nearby relativistic

relative to, relative topology, relative wind, relativism, relativist, relativistic, relativistic mass, relativistic quantum mechanics, relativity, relativize, relator

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use relativistic in a sentence

Another is the “Lense-Thirring effect” or “relativistic frame-dragging,” in which the spinning pulsars drag space-time itself around with them as they move.
Scientists Counted 20 Billion Ticks of an Extreme Galactic Clock to Test Einstein’s Theory of Gravity|Adam Deller|December 16, 2021|Singularity Hub
In a striking reverse connection, in the 1940s Albert Einstein and Erwin Schrödinger, founders of relativistic and quantum physics, respectively, projected that tackling questions of biological importance could also enhance physics.
The Math of Living Things - Issue 102: Hidden Truths|Sidney Perkowitz|June 23, 2021|Nautilus
In fact, the problem was even more drastic in relativistic quantum mechanics.
Quantum Tunnels Show How Particles Can Break the Speed of Light|Natalie Wolchover|October 20, 2020|Quanta Magazine
The man had used a simplified quantum mechanics without correction for relativistic effects.
Security|Poul William Anderson

British Dictionary definitions for relativistic

relativistic

/ (ˌrɛlətɪˈvɪstɪk) /

adjective

physics having or involving a speed close to that of light so that the behaviour is described by the theory of relativity rather than by Newtonian mechanicsa relativistic electron; a relativistic velocity

physics of, concerned with, or involving relativity

of or relating to relativism

Derived forms of relativistic

relativistically, adverb

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