theory of relativity

Other forms: theories of relativity

Definitions of theory of relativity
  1. noun
    (physics) the theory that space and time are relative concepts rather than absolute concepts
    synonyms: Einstein's theory of relativity, relativity, relativity theory
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    types:
    Einstein's general theory of relativity, general relativity, general relativity theory, general theory of relativity
    a generalization of special relativity to include gravity (based on the principle of equivalence)
    Einstein's special theory of relativity, special relativity, special relativity theory, special theory of 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 systems
    type of:
    scientific theory
    a theory that explains scientific observations
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