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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the center is a visualization of a powerful jet of radiation and particles known as a relativistic jet. Samuel Sanders, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Sep. 2024 This goes back to another quote of another founder of modern physics, Paul Dirac, who wrote down the relativistic wave equation, an equation that describes quantum mechanics connected with special relativity — it’s called the Dirac equation. Quanta Magazine, 20 June 2024 The authors suggest that this might have something to do with the shape and structure of the relativistic jet, which was much narrower than other GRB jets, resulting in a more focused and brighter beam of light. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Apr. 2024 Yet relativistic effects don’t usually play a huge role in the chemical behavior of most light elements. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for relativistic 

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 22 Nov. 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
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