dark-matter
Meaning: A hypothetical form of matter that does not emit, absorb, or reflect light, detectable only through its gravitational effects on visible matter, radiation, and the large-scale structure of the universe.
Dark matter is estimated to constitute roughly 27 per cent of the universe's total mass-energy content, yet its nature remains unknown. It is inferred from observations such as the rotation curves of galaxies, gravitational lensing, and the cosmic microwave background. Experiments to detect dark matter particles directly — such as those conducted deep underground to shield detectors from cosmic rays — have so far yielded no confirmed results. In journalism and popular science, 'dark matter' has become a metaphor for anything hidden yet influential — 'the dark matter of the economy.'
Examples
- Astronomers estimate that dark matter makes up approximately 85 per cent of all matter in the universe. 天文学家估计暗物质约占宇宙中全部物质的85%。Los astrónomos estiman que la materia oscura constituye aproximadamente el 85 por ciento de toda la materia del universo.天文学者は、暗黒物質が宇宙の全物質の約85パーセントを占めると推定している。천문학자들은 암흑 물질이 우주 전체 물질의 약 85퍼센트를 차지한다고 추정한다.
- The rotation curves of spiral galaxies provide some of the strongest evidence for the existence of dark matter. 螺旋星系的旋转曲线为暗物质的存在提供了最有力的证据之一。Las curvas de rotación de las galaxias espirales proporcionan algunas de las pruebas más sólidas de la existencia de la materia oscura.渦巻銀河の回転曲線は、暗黒物質の存在を示す最も有力な証拠の一つである。나선 은하의 회전 곡선은 암흑 물질의 존재를 뒷받침하는 가장 강력한 증거 중 하나이다.
- Underground laboratories in Yorkshire and Italy are searching for the elusive particles that may constitute dark matter. 约克郡和意大利的地下实验室正在搜索可能构成暗物质的难以捉摸的粒子。Laboratorios subterráneos en Yorkshire e Italia buscan las esquivas partículas que podrían constituir la materia oscura.ヨークシャーとイタリアの地下研究所では、暗黒物質を構成する可能性のある捉えどころのない粒子を探索している。요크셔와 이탈리아의 지하 연구소에서는 암흑 물질을 구성할 수 있는 포착하기 어려운 입자를 탐색하고 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: scientific, academic, journalism
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
A compound of Old English deorc (dark, hidden) + Latin materia (substance). The concept was first proposed by Fritz Zwicky in the 1930s to account for the 'missing mass' in galaxy clusters.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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