Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Pertaining to the theory of relativity: Of or relating to the principles of Albert Einstein's theories of special and general relativity, which describe the laws of physics in systems moving at constant velocity or under the influence of gravity.
   • Exhibiting relativistic effects: Describing phenomena, calculations, or properties where the effects described by the theory of relativity (such as time dilation, length contraction, or mass-energy equivalence) are significant and must be accounted for.
   • Pertaining to philosophical relativism: Of or relating to the doctrine that knowledge, truth, or morality is not absolute but exists in relation to culture, society, or historical context.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The relativistic equations predict that time passes more slowly for a moving observer.
  • At speeds close to the speed of light, relativistic effects become dominant.
  • His relativistic viewpoint argues that ethical standards vary between cultures.

Advanced Usage

• "relativistic speed/velocity": A speed that is a significant fraction of the speed of light, where the special theory of relativity must be applied.
  • Particles in the accelerator are boosted to relativistic velocities.
• "relativistic correction": An adjustment made to a classical (Newtonian) physics calculation to account for the effects of relativity.
  • Precise GPS systems require relativistic corrections for timing signals.

Variants and Related Words

• Relativistically (adverb): In a manner consistent with or governed by the theory of relativity.
  • The particles behave relativistically.
• Relativity (noun): The physical theory developed by Albert Einstein. Also, the philosophical concept.
  • Einstein's theory of relativity.
• Non-relativistic (adjective): Not relativistic; describing speeds or regimes where classical Newtonian mechanics is a sufficiently accurate approximation.
  • For everyday objects, non-relativistic physics applies.

Synonyms

• Einsteinian: Of or relating to Einstein or his theories (specifically for the physics meaning).
• Context-dependent: Determined by the situation (for the philosophical meaning).

Related Phrases

• Relativistic mass: The concept that the mass of an object increases with its velocity.
• Relativistic particle: A particle moving at a speed high enough that its behavior must be described by relativistic mechanics.

Adjective

1. of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of relativism
2. relating or subject to the special or the general theory of relativity
   • relativistic quantum mechanics
   • relativistic increase in mass
   • radiation from relativistic particles