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Gravitating: meaning, definitions and examples

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gravitating

 

[ ˈɑrΓ¦v.Ιͺ.teΙͺ.tΙͺΕ‹ ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

physical forces

Gravitating refers to the act of moving or being attracted toward a particular point or object, often due to gravitational forces. It is commonly used to describe the movement of celestial bodies or the tendency of objects to move towards the Earth or another massive object.

Synonyms

attracting, drawing, moving, pulling.

Examples of usage

  • The planets are gravitating towards the sun.
  • Objects on Earth are gravitating downwards due to gravity.
  • The stars gravitating in the galaxy create a dynamic movement.

Etymology

The term 'gravitate' originates from the Latin word 'gravitas', which means weight or seriousness. The concept first emerged in the 16th century amidst the advancements in understanding physics and celestial mechanics. Isaac Newton's law of universal gravitation, formulated in the late 17th century, provided a scientific basis for the idea of gravitation. The verb form 'gravitating' became popular as scientists discussed the movement of celestial bodies under gravitational influence. Through the 19th and 20th centuries, the term expanded into various fields, reflecting its foundational role in both physics and metaphorically describing attraction in social contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,875, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.