GRAVITON Definition & Meaning

graviton

[ grav-i-ton ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Physics.

the theoretical quantum of gravitation, usually assumed to be an elementary particle that is its own antiparticle and that has zero rest mass and charge and a spin of two.

graviton

/ ˈɡ��æ��ɪˌ��ɒ�� /

noun

a postulated quantum of gravitational energy, usually considered to be a particle with zero charge and rest mass and a spin of 2 Compare photon

graviton

/ ��ă��′ĭ-��ŏ��′ /

A hypothetical particle postulated in supergravity theory to be the quantum of gravitational interaction, mediating the gravitational force. Like all force carriers , the graviton is a boson. It is presumed to have an indefinitely long lifetime, zero electric charge, a spin of 2, and zero rest mass (thus travelling at the speed of light). The graviton has never been detected.
See also supersymmetrySee Table at subatomic particle

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of graviton¹

First recorded in 1940–45; gravit(y) + -on ¹

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

In this theory, vibrating strings would create gravitons, tiny particles that act under quantum mechanical laws but carry gravitational force.

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The emptiness of the vacuum in quantum theory belies a sea of particles—photons, electrons, gravitons, and more—that conspire to make empty space feel empty.

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They are even responsible for gravity—a hypothetical particle that carries the gravitational force, a “graviton,” is an inevitable consequence of the theory.

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The words “graviton” and “biotechnician,” for example, first appeared in science fiction sources before being adopted in the real world.

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His simulation suggests they do: when gravitons gather densely enough, eventually some of them turn into a burst of light particles.

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