gravitational wave
noun
: a disturbance in space-time in the form of a wave that propagates the gravitational field
Gravitational waves are a natural offshoot of the rubber-sheet construction of general relativity. Just as a massive object sitting on the fabric of spacetime creates a dimple, so moving or changing objects, under certain conditions, create wrinkles in the fabric. Those wrinkles, tiny distortions in spacetime, zoom away at the speed of light. Because these gravitational waves carry energy, anything emitting them will lose a tiny bit of its speed.—
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Over decades, the physicist worked hard to advance the hunt for gravitational waves — ripples in the fabric of space-time that Einstein predicted.
—William J. Broad, New York Times, 19 May 2025
These findings are expected to significantly enhance future theoretical models that aim to predict gravitational wave signatures.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 May 2025
Such interactions between black holes or neutron stars (compact remnants of exploded massive stars) can be studied through the deflection angle, the energy released through the near miss and the momentum of the objects’ recoil—all of which may be discerned in gravitational waves.
—Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 13 May 2025
The cataclysmic clash released ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves, as well as light from a gamma-ray burst.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
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William J. Broad, New York Times, 19 May 2025
These findings are expected to significantly enhance future theoretical models that aim to predict gravitational wave signatures.
—Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 16 May 2025
Such interactions between black holes or neutron stars (compact remnants of exploded massive stars) can be studied through the deflection angle, the energy released through the near miss and the momentum of the objects’ recoil—all of which may be discerned in gravitational waves.
—Ramin Skibba, Scientific American, 13 May 2025
The cataclysmic clash released ripples in space-time, known as gravitational waves, as well as light from a gamma-ray burst.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 3 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for gravitational wave
Cite this Entry
“Gravitational wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravitational%20wave. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.
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