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

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

From Salon

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

From 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.

From Science Daily

What allows the conservation of momentum are relativistic effects.

From Science Daily

"Black holes are extreme general relativistic objects that affect space-time around them," Kaaz said.

From Science Daily