English · Science & Technology
gravity
/ˈɡræv.ɪ.ti/
[/ˈɡræv.ɪ.ti/]
attracting force
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The force that pulls objects toward one another, especially toward the centre of the Earth.
Example
Gravity is the reason a dropped apple falls to the ground instead of floating away.
Gravity is the reason a dropped apple falls to the ground instead of floating away.
Etymology
From Latin 'gravitas' (weight, seriousness), from 'gravis' (heavy).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in physics, and figuratively for seriousness ('the gravity of the situation').
Literary Heritage
Isaac Newton's 1687 'Principia' set out the law of universal gravitation.