space-time
UK: ˈspeɪs taɪm | US: ˈspeɪs taɪm
n. the four-dimensional continuum in which all physical events occur, combining three dimensions of space and one of time.
n. (physics) a framework for describing the relationship between space and time in Einstein's theory of relativity.
The term "space-time" merges two fundamental concepts—space (from Old French espace, Latin spatium, meaning "extent or area") and time (from Old English tīma, Proto-Germanic tīmô, meaning "duration"). It was coined in the early 20th century to describe Einstein's revolutionary idea in relativity theory, where space and time are interwoven into a single continuum. The hyphenated form reflects their inseparable physical relationship.
In general relativity, gravity is explained as the curvature of space-time.
The concept of space-time challenges our everyday perception of separate dimensions.
Astronomers study how massive objects warp space-time around them.
The space-time diagram helps visualize events in relativity.
Quantum mechanics and space-time theories remain incompletely unified.