special relativity

n. The physical theory of space and time developed by Albert Einstein, based on the postulates that all the laws of physics are equally valid in all frames of reference moving at a uniform velocity and that the speed of light from a uniformly moving source is always the same, regardless of how fast or slow the source or its observer is moving. The theory has as consequences the relativistic mass increase of rapidly moving objects, the Lorentz-FitzGerald contraction, time dilatation, and the principle of mass-energy equivalence. Also called special theory of relativity.

rel•a•tiv•i•ty

(ˌrɛl əˈtɪv ɪ ti)

n. 1. the state or fact of being relative. 2. a. Also called special relativity. the first part of Einstein's two-part theory, based on the axioms that physical laws have the same form throughout the universe and that the velocity of light in a vacuum is a universal constant, from which is derived the mass-energy equation, E = mc². b. Also called general relativity. the second part, a theory of gravitation based on the axiom that the local effects of a gravitational field and of the acceleration of an inertial system are identical. 3. dependence of a mental state upon the nature of the human mind.

Thesaurus

Noun

special relativity - a physical theory of relativity based on the assumption that the speed of light in a vacuum is a constant and the assumption that the laws of physics are invariant in all inertial systemsEinstein's special theory of relativity, special relativity theory, special theory of relativityEinstein's theory of relativity, relativity, relativity theory, theory of relativity - (physics) the theory that space and time are relative concepts rather than absolute concepts

Translations

special relativity