View synonyms for gravitation

gravitation

[ grav-i-tey-shuhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Physics.
1. the force of attraction between any two masses. Compare law of gravitation.
2. an act or process caused by this force.
a sinking or falling.
a movement or tendency toward something or someone:
the gravitation of people toward the suburbs.

gravitation

/ ˌɡrævɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

the force of attraction that bodies exert on one another as a result of their mass
any process or result caused by this interaction, such as the fall of a body to the surface of the earth

gravitation

/ grăv′ĭ-tā′shən /

See gravity

gravitation

The force , first described mathematically by Isaac Newton , whereby any two objects in the universe are attracted toward each other. Gravitation holds the moon in orbit around the Earth , the planets in orbit around the sun , and the sun in the Milky Way . It also accounts for the fall of objects released near the surface of the Earth. The modern theory of gravitation is the general theory of relativity .

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Other Words From

gravi·tation·al adjective
nongrav·i·tation noun
nongrav·i·tation·al adjective
super·gravi·tation noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of gravitation¹

First recorded in 1635–45; from New Latin gravitātiōn- (stem of gravitātiō ), derivative of gravitāre “to obey the laws of gravitation”; gravitate, -ion

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Example Sentences

The agents which assist gravitation in bearing this detritus downward are many, but they all work together for the same end.

From Project Gutenberg

For instance, a theory of creation which would neglect the attraction of gravitation would be manifestly false.

From Project Gutenberg

It was one of the great forces of nature, which we call gravitation, and the force which kept it in motion we call momentum.

From Project Gutenberg

Clusters of stars may give us velocities much more remarkable still, but which are explained by the theory of gravitation.

From Project Gutenberg

Universal gravitation, invisible force, which the visible universe (what we call matter) obeys.

From Project Gutenberg

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April 23, 2024inveterate

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gravitate gravitational

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