relativistic

[rel-uh-tuh-vis-tik]

adjective

1. of or relating to relativity or relativism.

2. Physics.

   1. subject to the special or the general theory of relativity.

   2. (of a velocity) having a magnitude that is a significant fraction of the speed of light.

   3. (of a particle) having a relativistic velocity.

      radiation from relativistic electrons.

Other Word Forms

• relativistically adverb
• ultrarelativistic adjective
• unrelativistic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relativistic¹

First recorded in 1885–90; relativist + -ic

Example Sentences

Black holes in binary systems pull in matter from companion stars, creating relativistic jets that transform these systems into "micro-quasars."

Read more on Science Daily

The vice president appears more comfortable with relativistic defenses than with accountability.

Read more on Salon

Bannon's relativistic take comes after Trump broached the subject of sticking around last month.

Read more on Salon

Their picture shows the galaxy NGC 5128 and its relativistic jet - beams of radiation and particles travelling close to the speed of light.

Read more on BBC

In particular, Webb highlights what is known as synchrotron radiation: emission produced from charged particles, like electrons, moving around magnetic field lines at relativistic speeds.

Read more on Science Daily