What does gravitation mean?
Gravitation is the attraction that exists between any two bodies possessing mass, from the pull between Earth and the Moon to the much smaller attraction between two grains of sand. In physics, it is the force described by Newton's law of universal gravitation and underlies the motion of planets, moons, satellites, and many other systems. As a countable noun, gravitation may also mean an attracting force or tendency, though this use is less common than the standard physical sense. In general writing, the word is formal and technical, while gravity is the more familiar term for both the Earth's pull and the resulting downward acceleration. Gravitation is therefore especially useful when the emphasis is on interaction between masses rather than simply weight or falling. Its scientific importance extends far beyond falling objects: gravitation shapes orbits, tides, galaxies, and the large-scale structure of the universe.
nounThe universal attraction between any two objects that have mass. In physics, the term also refers to the resulting force or tendency of bodies to move toward one another.
- The physical attraction between two or more objects that have mass.
- An attracting force or tendency toward a person, place, or point.
"The Moon's orbit results from gravitation between Earth and the Moon."
"The team used the known gravitation of the planets to calculate the spacecraft's trajectory."
"The early theory of gravitation transformed scientific ideas about motion and the heavens."
The plural is rare; gravitation is normally used as an uncountable noun when referring to the general physical phenomenon.
"The mutual gravitations of the two stars shape their orbit around a common centre."
The Moon is always falling toward Earth, yet it keeps missing because its sideways motion continually carries it forward.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does gravitation come from?
Gravitation comes from Latin gravitationem, a noun associated with gravitare, meaning to weigh, sink, or be attracted, ultimately from gravis, meaning heavy. The word entered English in the early 17th century in the developing language of natural philosophy. Related English words include gravity, gravitate, gravitas, and gravid, all reflecting the same Latin root associated with weight or heaviness.
Related word forms
How gravitation is actually used
Gravitation is a formal and chiefly technical term, especially common in physics and astronomy. It is normally used in the physical sense; figurative senses are possible but uncommon.
Easily confused with gravitation
Gravitation names the general mutual attraction between masses, while gravity often names a particular gravitational force or effect, especially the downward pull at a location.