noun

spacetime

SPAYS-time

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Spacetime (noun) means the four-dimensional continuum made up of the three dimensions of space together with time. Example: “Einstein's theory describes gravity as a curving of spacetime.”

noun

physics The four-dimensional continuum made up of the three dimensions of space together with time.

"Einstein's theory describes gravity as a curving of spacetime."

"Events are located in spacetime by three positions and a time."

"Physicists often picture the universe as a single fabric of spacetime."

physics A continuum with any number of dimensions that includes both space and time, as used in theoretical physics.

"Some theories work with a spacetime of more than four dimensions."

"Theorists compare different spacetimes when testing their models."

"M-theory is often discussed in terms of an eleven-dimensional spacetime."

How to use spacetime

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe combined setting of space and time in which everything happens.

When to use it

It is mainly a technical term in physics, though it is also used loosely in popular science and science fiction.

Memory tip

For the general four-dimensional idea, spacetime is normally uncountable (no a or the plural); it is countable only when you mean a particular model, as in different spacetimes.

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Common pairings

curvature of spacetime fabric of spacetime four-dimensional spacetime spacetime continuum

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