cosmological constant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Technical, Scientific
Quick answer
What does “cosmological constant” mean?
A constant term introduced by Albert Einstein into his field equations of general relativity to allow for a static universe, representing a repulsive force counteracting gravity on cosmic scales.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A constant term introduced by Albert Einstein into his field equations of general relativity to allow for a static universe, representing a repulsive force counteracting gravity on cosmic scales.
In modern cosmology, it represents the energy density of the vacuum of space, often associated with dark energy, which is responsible for the observed accelerated expansion of the universe.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. Spelling follows national conventions for the component words ('cosmological' is spelled the same).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with identical, very low frequency exclusively in advanced academic and scientific contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “cosmological constant” in a Sentence
The cosmological constant [verb: is, represents, accounts for, causes] ...Einstein [verb: introduced, added, proposed] the cosmological constant.The value of the cosmological constant [verb: is measured, is estimated, seems] ...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cosmological constant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The model cosmologically constants the vacuum energy.
American English
- The theory cosmologically constants the vacuum energy.
adverb
British English
- The universe expanded cosmological-constantly.
American English
- The universe expanded cosmological constantly.
adjective
British English
- The cosmological-constant term is crucial.
American English
- The cosmological constant term is crucial.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in advanced physics, cosmology, and astrophysics courses and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of popular science discussions.
Technical
Precise term in the mathematics of general relativity and cosmological models.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cosmological constant”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cosmological constant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cosmological constant”
- Mispronouncing 'cosmological' with stress on 'mo' (/koz-MO-lo-gical/) instead of 'log' (/koz-mə-LO-gical/).
- Using 'cosmological constant' interchangeably with all forms of 'dark energy', though it is one specific model for it.
- Writing 'cosmological' as 'cosmologic'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
He said this because he introduced it to force a static universe, which he later abandoned when Edwin Hubble discovered the universe was expanding. Ironically, it was later revived to explain accelerated expansion.
The cosmological constant is the simplest and most popular candidate for dark energy, representing a constant energy density filling space homogeneously. Dark energy is the general name for whatever causes cosmic acceleration, which could also be a dynamic field.
The 'cosmological constant problem' is the huge discrepancy between the theoretical prediction of its value from quantum field theory (enormously large) and its observed value from cosmology (incredibly small but non-zero).
It is almost universally denoted by the uppercase Greek letter Lambda: Λ.
A constant term introduced by Albert Einstein into his field equations of general relativity to allow for a static universe, representing a repulsive force counteracting gravity on cosmic scales.
Cosmological constant is usually academic, technical, scientific in register.
Cosmological constant: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒz.məˈlɒdʒ.ɪ.kəl ˈkɒn.stən.t/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːz.məˈlɑː.dʒɪ.kəl ˈkɑːn.stən.t/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Einstein's 'biggest blunder' (historical reference to his dismissal of the constant)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the universe as a balloon being inflated. The 'cosmological constant' is like a hidden, constant pressure inside the balloon (the vacuum of space) that makes it expand faster and faster.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE FABRIC OF SPACE HAS A BUILT-IN SPRINGINESS (a constant, inherent energy pressure woven into empty space itself).
Practice
Quiz
What does the cosmological constant most directly represent in modern cosmology?