gravitational constant

American  

[grav-i-tey-shuh-nl kon-stuhnt] / ˌgræv ɪˈteɪ ʃə nl ˈkɒn stənt /

noun

Physics, Astronomy.

1. a universal physical constant used in calculating the attraction between two masses​. G

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gravitational constant British  

noun

1.  G.  the factor relating force to mass and distance in Newton's law of gravitation. It is a universal constant with the value 6.673 × 10 ^–11 N m² kg ^–2

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gravitational constant Scientific  

1. A constant relating the force of the gravitational attraction between two bodies to their masses and their distance from each other in Newton's law of gravitation. The gravitational constant equals approximately 6.67259 × 10 ⁻¹¹ newton square meters per square kilogram. Its symbol is G.

2. See more at Newton's law of gravitation

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Etymology

Origin of gravitational constant

First recorded in 1805–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

gravitational constant

For more than two centuries, scientists have tried to determine one of the most important numbers in physics: the universal gravitational constant, known as "big G."

From Science Daily ● May 18, 2026

Despite the crudeness of his experimental setup 500 years ago, da Vinci, Dr. Gharib said, was able to calculate the gravitational constant to an accuracy within 10 percent of the modern value.

From New York Times ● Feb. 17, 2023

I’m going to have to increase my gravitational constant.’

From Washington Post ● Jul. 20, 2021

Newton’s law of gravitation states that F = −G m1 m2 ^r , where G is the universal gravitational constant.

From Textbooks ● Mar. 30, 2016

If the gravitational constant really has been decreasing, or in other words if the force of gravity has been growing weaker, then our solar system must have been expanding along with the universe.

From Scientific American ● Mar. 4, 2011