Definition

1. Noun:
   • The cosmological model explaining the origin of the universe: The Big Bang theory is the prevailing scientific explanation for the early development and expansion of the universe. It posits that the universe began from an extremely hot, dense state approximately 13.8 billion years ago and has been expanding and cooling ever since.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The Big Bang theory is supported by key pieces of evidence, such as the cosmic microwave background radiation.
  • According to the Big Bang theory, all matter and energy were once concentrated in a single point.

Advanced Usage

• "the Big Bang theory": Always capitalized when referring to the specific cosmological model. It is often preceded by the definite article "the."
  • The discovery of galactic redshifts provided strong support for the Big Bang theory.

Variants and Related Words

• Big Bang (noun, proper): The name of the singular event described by the theory.

  • Scientists study the aftermath of the Big Bang.

• Big Bang cosmology (noun phrase): A synonym for the Big Bang theory, emphasizing its framework for understanding the universe.

  • Big Bang cosmology has become the standard model of universe origins.

Synonyms

• Expanding universe theory: A term emphasizing the model's core premise of cosmic expansion.
• Standard cosmological model: A broader term that often incorporates the Big Bang theory as its foundational component.

Related Phrases

• "support for the Big Bang theory": Evidence that corroborates the model's predictions.

  • The abundance of light elements is a key piece of support for the Big Bang theory.

• "challenges to the Big Bang theory": Scientific observations or questions that the theory must address.

  • The precise nature of dark energy presents modern challenges to the Big Bang theory.

Noun

1. (cosmology) the theory that the universe originated sometime between 10 billion and 20 billion years ago from the cataclysmic explosion of a small volume of matter at extremely high density and temperature