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 Words From

• rela·tiv·isti·cal·ly adverb
• ultra·rela·tiv·istic adjective
• unrel·a·tiv·istic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of relativistic¹

First recorded in 1885–90; relativist + -ic

Example Sentences

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.

From 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.

From Nautilus

In fact, the problem was even more drastic in relativistic quantum mechanics.

From Quanta Magazine

The man had used a simplified quantum mechanics without correction for relativistic effects.

From Project Gutenberg