supergravity

[ soo-per-grav-i-tee ]
/ ˌsu pərˈgræv ɪ ti /

noun Physics.

See under supersymmetry.

Origin of supergravity

First recorded in 1975–80; super- + gravity

Definition for supergravity (2 of 2)

supersymmetry
[ soo-per-sim-i-tree ]
/ ˈsu pərˈsɪm ɪ tri /

noun Physics.

a hypothetical symmetry among groups of particles containing fermions and bosons, especially in theories of gravity (supergravity) that unify electromagnetism, the weak force, and the strong force with gravity into a single unified force.

Origin of supersymmetry

First recorded in 1970–75; super- + symmetry

British Dictionary definitions for supergravity (1 of 2)

supergravity
/ (ˌsuːpəˈɡrævɪtɪ) /

noun

physics any of various theories in which supersymmetry is applied to the theory of gravitation

British Dictionary definitions for supergravity (2 of 2)

supersymmetry
/ (ˌsuːpəˈsɪmɪtrɪ) /

noun

physics a symmetry of elementary particles having a higher order than that in the standard model, postulated to encompass the behaviour of both bosons and fermions

Scientific definitions for supergravity (1 of 2)

supergravity
[ sōōpər-grăv′ĭ-tē ]

A quantum field theory that combines general relativity with supersymmetry in order to unify gravity with the other fundamental forces of nature. Supergravity predicts the existence of the graviton as a carrier for the force of gravity, as well as a corresponding particle called the gravitino, neither of which have been observed experimentally.

Scientific definitions for supergravity (2 of 2)

supersymmetry
[ sōōpər-sĭm′ĭ-trē ]

A theory of physics that states that for each boson (a subatomic particle that carries a fundamental force, such as the photon, which carries the electromagnetic force) there is a corresponding fermion with the same mass. The theory is an attempt to unify the fundamental forces of matter under one theory. Supersymmetry has not been shown to hold in the real world, though some scientists suspect that evidence for it may be found only at extremely high energies; some also believe that certain particles predicted by the theory may make up dark matter.