gravitational wave
noun
: a disturbance in space-time in the form of a wave that propagates the gravitational field
Gravitational waves are a natural offshoot of the rubber-sheet construction of general relativity. Just as a massive object sitting on the fabric of spacetime creates a dimple, so moving or changing objects, under certain conditions, create wrinkles in the fabric. Those wrinkles, tiny distortions in spacetime, zoom away at the speed of light. Because these gravitational waves carry energy, anything emitting them will lose a tiny bit of its speed.—
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In the future, gravitational wave observatories, like the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna that is expected to launch to space in the mid-2030s, could allow scientists to measure the ripples in spacetime emanating from the merging of these two black holes and other mergers from long ago.
—Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 May 2024
The collisions of compact astrophysical objects such as black holes and neutron stars emit strong gravitational waves.
—Gaurav Khanna, The Conversation, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for gravitational wave 
Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 May 2024
The collisions of compact astrophysical objects such as black holes and neutron stars emit strong gravitational waves.
—Gaurav Khanna, The Conversation, 15 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for gravitational wave
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'gravitational wave.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Gravitational wave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gravitational%20wave. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
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