space-time

noun

ˈspās-ˈtīm How to pronounce space-time (audio)
ˈspās-ˌtīm
1
: a system of one temporal and three spatial coordinates by which any physical object or event can be located

called also space-time continuum

2
: the whole or a portion of physical reality determinable by a usually four-dimensional coordinate system
also : the properties characteristic of such an order

Examples of space-time in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
First theorized in 1916 by Albert Einstein, gravitational waves are ripples in the fabric of space-time created during some of the universe's most powerful events, including the merging or collision of supermassive black holes. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 26 Oct. 2024 Last year, observations of the subtle movements of pulsating stars known as a pulsar timing array revealed a background hum of gravitational waves in the universe — ripples in the fabric of space-time. Quanta Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 So the brain is given a vacation, and in that vacation or place, it might be freed up to have an alternative space-time experience. Sean Illing, Vox, 11 Oct. 2024 From the higher-dimensional perspective, the toy universe is made of both particles and a space-time fabric that curves, producing gravity. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for space-time 

Word History

First Known Use

1910, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of space-time was in 1910

Dictionary Entries Near space-time

Cite this Entry

“Space-time.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/space-time. Accessed 17 Nov. 2024.

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