dark energy

noun

: a hypothetical form of energy that produces a force that opposes gravity and is thought to be the cause of the accelerating expansion of the universe

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Scientists believe that the galaxy is moving away at a rate of 2412 kilometers a second thanks to dark energy. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 26 May 2022 These kinds of models allow dark energy to vary with distance. Robert Lea, Popular Mechanics, 14 Sep. 2022 Evidence for dark matter and dark energy comes from large-scale observations, such as those of the cosmic microwave background and distant supernovae. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 21 Sep. 2022 Thus, the expansion rate would be impacted by a variable energy density from the dark energy. Robert Lea, Popular Mechanics, 14 Sep. 2022 The shape of that future depends on how dark energy behaves. Diana Gitig, Ars Technica, 13 Aug. 2022 Tech Life looks at the difference between dark matter and dark energy, as well as recent James Webb discoveries. Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 15 Sep. 2022 But with a slightly smaller value of dark energy, the universe would have expanded and recollapsed so quickly that stars wouldn’t have had time to form. Alan Lightman, The Atlantic, 8 Sep. 2022 But what if dark energy isn't actually related to the cosmological constant or vacuum energy at all? Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dark energy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1998, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dark energy was in 1998

Dictionary Entries Near dark energy

Cite this Entry

“Dark energy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20energy. Accessed 7 Dec. 2022.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!


The Great British Vocabulary Quiz

  • union jack speech bubble
  • Named after Sir Robert Peel, what are British police called?
Name That Thing

You know what it looks like… but what is it called?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

TAKE THE QUIZ