An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A mathematical entity describing the → curvature of → space-time in → Einstein’s field equations, according to the theory of → general relativity. It is expressed by

G_μν = R_μν - (1/2) g_μνR,
where R_μν is the Ricci tensor,
g_μν is the → metric tensor, and R the scalar curvature. This tensor is both symmetric and divergence free.

See also: Named after Albert Einstein (1879-1955); → tensor.