special theory of relativity

British  

noun

1. Also called: special relativity.  the theory proposed in 1905 by Einstein, which assumes that the laws of physics are equally valid in all nonaccelerated frames of reference and that the speed of electromagnetic radiation in free space has the same value for all inertial observers. It leads to the idea of a space-time continuum and the equivalence of mass and energy. In combination with quantum mechanics it forms the basis of the theory of elementary particles See also general theory of relativity

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Example Sentences

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special theory of relativity

The interaction also seemed incompatible with elements of his special theory of relativity.

From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2019

That constant value of the speed of light led to Einstein’s special theory of relativity in 1905.

From Nature ● Apr. 15, 2019

But his most important paper presented the special theory of relativity, a reexamination of space, time, and motion that added a whole new level of sophistication to our understanding of those concepts.

From Textbooks ● Oct. 13, 2016

This now iconic quote spoken by Hermann Minkowski in 1906 captured the spirit of Albert Einstein’s recently published special theory of relativity.

From Scientific American ● Jun. 3, 2013

If one neglects gravitational effects, as Einstein and Poincare did in 1905, one has what is called the special theory of relativity.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking

Related Words

• relativity