espace-temps

space-time

noun es-pass-TAHN Rare

Usage Note

Espace-temps is the French scientific term for the four-dimensional continuum of spacetime, introduced in the context of Einstein's relativity theory. It is always hyphenated and masculine. In philosophy and fiction, it is also used more loosely for any notion of combined space and time. The plural is espaces-temps.

Examples

"La relativité modifie notre vision de l'espace-temps."

Natural Translation

Relativity changes our understanding of space-time.

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