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pesanteur

gravity, heaviness

noun puh-zahn-TUR Rare
Numbers & Measures Measurements

Also means

dullness, sluggishness

Usage Note

Pesanteur denotes the physical force of gravity (la loi de la pesanteur) as well as a figurative sense of mental or social heaviness — la pesanteur des habitudes (the dead weight of habits). The adjective pesant (heavy, ponderous) is more everyday; pesanteur has a more literary or scientific register. Do not confuse with poids (weight as a measured quantity).

Examples

"La pesanteur attire les corps vers le sol."

Natural Translation

Gravity pulls bodies towards the ground.

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