gravity definition - Dictionary

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gravity

grav·i·ty [ grávvətee ]

noun

Definition:

1. gravitational force: the attraction due to gravitation that the Earth or another astronomical object exerts on an object on or near its surface

2. physics
Same as gravitation (sense 2)

3. seriousness: the seriousness of something considered in terms of its unfavorable consequences

regarded it as a matter of the utmost gravity

4. serious behavior: solemnity and seriousness in somebody's attitude or behavior

5. heaviness: the quality of being heavy

6. weight: the amount that something weighs ( formal )

[15th century. Via French< Latin gravitas "heaviness" < gravis "heavy"]

Cultural Note


	Gravity's Rainbow, a novel (1973) by writer Thomas Pynchon. Set in Europe during World War II, it describes the attempts of various interest groups to exploit the extrasensory powers of U.S. soldier Tyrone Slothrop, whose sexual encounters reliably predict the impact sites of German V2 rockets. It is noted for its extraordinary erudition, broad range of styles, and complex characterization.