gravity Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
    gravitation; gravitational force; gravitational attraction.
    • the more remote the body the less the gravity
    • the gravitation between two bodies is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them
    • gravitation cannot be held responsible for people falling in love"--Albert Einstein
  2. noun a manner that is serious and solemn
    sobriety; graveness; soberness; sombreness; somberness.
  3. noun a solemn and dignified feeling
    solemnity.

WordNet

Grav"i*ty noun
Etymology
L. gravitas, fr. gravis heavy; cf. F. gravité. See Grave, a., Grief.
Wordforms
plural Gravities
Definitions
  1. The state of having weight; beaviness; as, the gravity of lead.
  2. Sobriety of character or demeanor. "Men of gravity and learning."
  3. Importance, significance, dignity, etc; hence, seriousness; enormity; as, the gravity of an offense.
    They derive an importance from . . . the gravity of the place where they were uttered. Burke.
  4. (Physics) The tendency of a mass of matter toward a center of attraction; esp., the tendency of a body toward the center of the earth; terrestrial gravitation.
  5. (Mus.) Lowness of tone; -- opposed to acuteness.

Webster 1913