dark matter

noun

: nonluminous matter not yet directly detected by astronomers that is hypothesized to exist to account for various observed gravitational effects

Examples of dark matter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That makes this galactic trio bad news for MOND, or modified Newtonian dynamics, an alternative to dark matter proposed in 1983 by the physicist Mordehai Milgrom. — Quanta Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026 While the mission was designed with dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets in mind. — Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Oct. 2026 IceCube helps scientists gain insights into questions regarding supernova events, galaxy formation, the Big Bang, dark matter and the properties of the neutrino itself. — Daniella McCahey, The Conversation, 12 Oct. 2026 The experiment is rather unusual for a dark matter detector, as it is not located deep underground. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dark matter

Word History

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dark matter was in 1933

Rhymes for dark matter

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Browse Nearby Words

darkly
dark matter
dark meat
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Cite this Entry

“Dark matter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dark%20matter. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on dark matter

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about dark matter

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