supergravity

noun

su·​per·​grav·​i·​ty ˌsü-pər-ˈgra-və-tē How to pronounce supergravity (audio)
: any of various theories in physics that are based on supersymmetry and attempt to unify general relativity and quantum theory and that state that the principal transmitter of gravity is the graviton

Examples of supergravity in a Sentence

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The work on supergravity occurred during a stay at the CERN particle laboratory in Geneva where Dr. Zumino worked. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 10 May 2023 In addition to Julius, Stanford visiting professor Daniel Freedman was a co-recipient of the Special Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics for his 1976 discovery of supergravity. Erin Woo, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2019 Magic wands and supergravity The Breakthrough Prize in mathematics was given to Alex Eskin of the University of Chicago in Illinois. Zeeya Merali, Scientific American, 5 Sep. 2019 The three men’s 1976 description of supergravity, which helps explain the geometry of space-time, brought science closer to developing a unified theory of nature and the cosmos, which has so far eluded the world’s greatest minds. Peter Fimrite, SFChronicle.com, 5 Sep. 2019 This year’s other prizes include four in the life sciences, a special prize in fundamental physics for the invention of supergravity, one winner in mathematics, and a handful of $100,000 awards for early career researchers. Nadia Drake, National Geographic, 5 Sep. 2019 Four decades after supergravity was devised, there is still no empirical evidence that the idea is correct. Philip Ball, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2019 Günaydin had continued to study the octonions since the ’70s by way of their deep connections to string theory, M-theory and supergravity — related theories that attempt to unify gravity with the other fundamental forces. Quanta Magazine, 20 July 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of supergravity was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near supergravity

Cite this Entry

“Supergravity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supergravity. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

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