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time dilation

noun

Definition of time dilation

: 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 time dilatation

Examples of time dilation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 There is a phenomenon of relativity known as time dilation, in which time appears to slow down almost to a stop for bodies that approach the speed of light. — Jerry Adler, Newsweek, "Stephen Hawking, Master of the Universe: Our 1988 Cover Story on the Legendary Physicist," 14 Mar. 2018

First Known Use of time dilation

1934, in the meaning defined above

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