de Sitter space

noun

: the simplest hypothetical space-time that has positive curvature

Those clues, in particular, may be applied to the most symmetric solution of Einstein's equations with positive cosmological constant and no matter—de Sitter space.

—Thomas Banks, Physics Today, March 2004

compare anti-de sitter space

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!