relativistic

American  

[rel-uh-tuh-vis-tik] / ˌrɛl ə təˈvɪs tɪk /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• relativistically adverb
• ultrarelativistic adjective
• unrelativistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of relativistic

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."

From Science Daily

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

From Salon

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