spaghettification

American  

[spuh-get-uh-fi-key-shuhn] / spəˌgɛt ə fɪˈkeɪ ʃən /

noun

Physics, Astronomy.

1. the theoretical stretching of an object as it encounters extreme differences in gravitational forces, especially those associated with a black hole.

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Other Word Forms

• spaghettify verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of spaghettification

spaghetti + -fication

Example Sentences

For black holes with masses billions of times the mass of the Sun, such as those found at the centers of galaxies, the spaghettification becomes significant only after the astronaut passes through the event horizon.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Some scientists like to call this process of stretching and narrowing spaghettification.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

Would you be stretched and squished via the process charmingly called "spaghettification," as has long been believed, or would you burst into flame as you crossed the event horizon?

From Slate • Apr. 12, 2013