gravitation

/ˌɡɹævˈteɪʃən/

UK: /ˌɡɹævɪˈteɪʃn̩/

gravitation

English Noun Top 44,810

Definition

The fundamental force of attraction which exists between all matter in the universe that tends to draw bodies towards each other, due to matter causing the curvature of spacetime. It is the weakest of the four fundamental interactions, and possesses a gauge boson known as the graviton.

Etymology

Borrowed from New Latin gravitātiō, from gravitāt-, past participial stem of gravitō (“to gravitate”), + -tiō. By surface analysis, gravitate + -ion.