twin paradox
noun
a phenomenon predicted by relativity. One of a pair of identical twins is supposed to live normally in an inertial system whilst the other is accelerated to a high speed in a spaceship, travels for a long time, and finally returns to rest beside his twin. The travelled twin will be found to be younger than his brother
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Nearby words
twin bed, twin bill, twin cities, twin falls, twin killing, twin paradox, twin peaks, twin room, twin town, twin-engine, twin-lens camera
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Culture definitions for twin paradox
twin paradox
An effect predicted by the general theory of relativity: if one of a pair of twins remains on Earth, and the other travels in a rocket at a speed near the speed of light, the traveling twin will be younger than the earthbound twin upon returning to Earth. This effect has been verified experimentally by measurements with atomic clocks.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
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