relativistic

adjective

rel·​a·​tiv·​is·​tic ˌre-lə-ti-ˈvi-stik How to pronounce relativistic (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or characterized by relativity or relativism
2
: moving at a velocity such that there is a significant change in properties (such as mass) in accordance with the theory of relativity
a relativistic electron
relativistically adverb

Examples of relativistic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web So particles are accelerated to relativistic speeds. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 26 Apr. 2023 That nearby gas and plasma can also help reveal how feasting black holes create extreme cosmic structures such as relativistic jets — gigantic beams of superheated plasma accelerated to nearly the speed of light. Michael Greshko, Quanta Magazine, 12 Feb. 2024 But, given that all of this is happening near a supermassive black hole, the researchers hope to continue these simulations with a version of the software that handles relativistic effects better. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 17 Jan. 2024 The quest to reconcile the quantum and relativistic worldviews has occupied physics for decades. Adam Frank, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2023 The ridge, which is part of the cosmic web along which galaxy clusters tend to gather, stretches for about 10 million light-years and shows evidence of both a magnetic field and relativistic particles — electrons moving at close to the speed of light. Alison Klesman, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2019 This relatively new approach exploits a general relativistic effect. Richard Panek, Scientific American, 14 Nov. 2023 Jean-Luc Margot, a planetary astronomer and UCLA professor who is also part of the SETI group, likened it to a car getting totaled if a bug hit its windshield at relativistic speeds. Alexandra E. Petri, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2023 The enforcement of the original meaning of the Constitution is therefore not a morally indifferent or relativistic act. Christian Schneider, National Review, 22 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relativistic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of relativistic was in 1886

Dictionary Entries Near relativistic

Cite this Entry

“Relativistic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relativistic. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

relativistic

adjective
rel·​a·​tiv·​is·​tic ˌrel-ət-iv-ˈis-tik How to pronounce relativistic (audio)
: of, relating to, or characterized by relativity
relativistically adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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