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

According to the tenets of quantum field theory—an uneasy union between Einstein’s special theory of relativity and quantum mechanics used to model the behavior of subatomic particles—empty space isn’t actually empty.

From Scientific American • Dec. 19, 2022

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

Einstein’s special theory of relativity leads to a “twins paradox” in which someone moving at a high velocity, such as 17,500 mph in low Earth orbit, ages more slowly than a twin on Earth.

From Washington Post • Apr. 11, 2019

This was the background against which he produced the special theory of relativity in 1905.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• relativity