Relativity

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2 Relative adj [15c] 1: introducing a subordinate clause qualifying an expressed or implied antecedent [__ pronoun]; also: introduced by such a connective [__ clause] 2: Relevant, Pertinent [matters __ to world peace] 3: not absolute or independent: Comparative [the __ isolation of life in the country] 4: having the same key signature --used of major and minor keys and scales 5: expressed as the ratio of the specified quantity [as an error in measuring] to the total magnitude [as the value of a measured quantity] or to the mean of all the quantites involved

Relativity n, pl -ties [ca. 1834] 1a: the quality or state of being relative b: something that is relative 2: the state of being dependent for existence on or determined in nature, value, or quality by relation to something else 3a: a theory which is based on the two postulates [1] that the speed of light in a vacuum is constant and independent of the source or observer and [2] that the mathematical forms of the laws of physics are invariant in all inertial systems and which leads to the assertion of the equivalence of mass and energy and of change in mass, dimension, and time with increased velocity -called also special relativity, special theory of relativity b: an extension of the theory to include gravitatin and related acceleration phenomena -called also general relativity, general theory of relativity 4: Relativism 1b

Relativism n [1865] 1a: a theory that knowledge is relative to the limited nature of the mind and the conditions of knowing b: a view that ethical truths depend on the individuals and groups holding them 2: Relativity

Relativistic adj [1886] 1: of, relating to or characterized by relativity or relativism 2: moving at a velocity such that there is a significant change in properties [as mass] in accordance with the theory of relativity [a __ electron]