time dilation

time dilation
noun also time dilatation
: a slowing of time in accordance with the theory of relativity that occurs in a system in motion relative to an outside observer and that becomes apparent especially as the speed of the system approaches that of light

* * *

time dilation noun (physics)
The principle, a consequence of the special theory of relativity, that the time interval between two events appears to be larger when they occur in a reference frame which is moving relative to the observer's reference frame than when they occur at rest relative to the observer
• • •
Main Entry:time

* * *

time dilation,
a slowing down or stretching out of time for a speeding object as its velocity increases relative to another object traveling at a different velocity: »

One consequence of the special theory of relativity is that rate of time flow is not the same in two coordinate systems moving relative to one another. This phenomenon, known as time dilation, accounts for the slowing down of high-velocity natural clocks as recorded by a stationary observer (New Scientist).


Useful english dictionary. 2012.

Игры ⚽ Нужен реферат?

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Time dilation — This article is about a concept in physics. For the concept in sociology, see time displacement. In the theory of relativity, time dilation is an observed difference of elapsed time between two events as measured by observers either moving… …   Wikipedia

  • time dilation — In the theory of special relativity, the slowing down of a clock as perceived by an observer in relative motion with respect to that clock. Time dilation becomes noticeable only at speeds approaching that of light and has been accurately… …   Universalium

  • time dilation — noun Date: 1934 a slowing of time in accordance with the theory of relativity that occurs in a system in motion relative to an outside observer and that becomes apparent especially as the speed of the system approaches that of light called also… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • time dilation — noun The slowing of the passage of time experienced by objects in motion relative to an observer; measurable only at relativistic speeds …   Wiktionary

  • Time Dilation —    A ship using this technique travels very close to the speed of light, without actually reaching light speed. Since time would compress for the crew, they would age very little, even on a long voyage. However, the rest of the universe would age …   The writer's dictionary of science fiction, fantasy, horror and mythology

  • Gravitational time dilation — is the effect of time passing at different rates in regions of different gravitational potential; the higher the local distortion of spacetime due to gravity, the slower time passes. Albert Einstein originally predicted this effect in his theory… …   Wikipedia

  • Time from NPL — Map showing the location of the Anthorn VLF transmitter within Cumbria …   Wikipedia

  • Dilation — (or dilatation) refers to an enlargement or expansion in bulk or extent, the opposite of contraction. It derives from the Latin dilatare, to spread wide . In physiology: Pupillary dilation, dilation of the pupil of the eye Cervical dilation, the… …   Wikipedia

  • Time travel — This article details time travel itself. For other uses, see Time Traveler. Time travel is the concept of moving between different moments in time in a manner analogous to moving between different points in space, either sending objects (or in… …   Wikipedia

  • Time — This article is about the measurement. For the magazine, see Time (magazine). For other uses, see Time (disambiguation). The flow of sand in an hourglass can be used to keep track of elapsed time. It also concretely represents the present as… …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”