general theory of relativity
- general theory of relativity
- relativity
el`a*tiv"i*ty (-t?v"?-t?), n.
1. The state of being relative; as, the relativity of a
subject. --Coleridge.
[1913 Webster]
2. One of two theories (also called {theory of relativity})
proposed by Albert Einstein, the {special theory of
relativity}, or the {general theory of relativity}. The
{special theory of relativity} or {special relativity} is
based on the proposition that the speed of light is a
constant no matter how observed, and is independent of the
motion of the observer. From this follows several
principles, such as the increase of mass with velocity
(which has been confirmed: see {relativistic mass
equation}) and the impossibility of acceleration to a
speed greater than that of light; the equivalence of mass
and energy, expressed by the famous equation E = mc^{2};
and time dilation, which is the apparent slowing of a
clock in a system, as observed by an observer in a system
moving relative to the clock. The {general theory of
relativity} is based on the proposition that there is no
physical difference between gravitational force and the
force produced by acceleration. From this follow several
results, of which the bending of light rays in a
gravitational field and the equivalence of the inertial
and gravitational masses have been verified. The possible
existence of {black holes} (believed by many astronomers
to have been adequately proven) is another consequence of
the theory.
[PJC]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English.
2000.
Look at other dictionaries:
general theory of relativity — relativity el a*tiv i*ty ( t?v ? t?), n. 1. The state of being relative; as, the relativity of a subject. Coleridge. [1913 Webster] 2. One of two theories (also called {theory of relativity}) proposed by Albert Einstein, the {special theory of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
general theory of relativity — n. see RELATIVITY (sense 4): also called general relativity … English World dictionary
general theory of relativity — noun a generalization of special relativity to include gravity (based on the principle of equivalence) • Syn: ↑general relativity, ↑general relativity theory, ↑Einstein s general theory of relativity • Hypernyms: ↑relativity, ↑theory of… … Useful english dictionary
general theory of relativity — general relativity, theory of gravitation and acceleration … English contemporary dictionary
general theory of relativity — Date: 1921 relativity 3b … New Collegiate Dictionary
general theory of relativity — Physics. See under relativity (def. 2). [1930 35] * * * … Universalium
general theory of relativity — noun Physics See relativity (def. 2) …
Einstein's general theory of relativity — noun a generalization of special relativity to include gravity (based on the principle of equivalence) • Syn: ↑general relativity, ↑general theory of relativity, ↑general relativity theory • Hypernyms: ↑relativity, ↑theory of relativity, ↑ … Useful english dictionary
theory of relativity — relativity el a*tiv i*ty ( t?v ? t?), n. 1. The state of being relative; as, the relativity of a subject. Coleridge. [1913 Webster] 2. One of two theories (also called {theory of relativity}) proposed by Albert Einstein, the {special theory of… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
General Theory — could refer to: Ideas *Generalized Theory of Gravitation *General Theory of Relativity *General Systems Theory *Generalized cohomology theory *General theory of collaboration Books *Keynes, John Maynard, General Theory of Employment, Interest and … Wikipedia
