aether Definition
a substance that was believed in the past to fill all space and to be necessary for the transmission of light.
Using aether: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "aether" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The concept of aether was widely accepted in ancient times.
Example
Scientists used to believe that light waves traveled through aether.
Example
The theory of aether was eventually replaced by the theory of relativity.
Phrases with aether
a hypothetical medium for the propagation of light, which was disproven by the Michelson-Morley experiment
Example
The Michelson-Morley experiment was conducted to test the existence of luminiferous aether.
aether theories
various scientific theories that attempted to explain the nature of aether
Example
Aether theories were popular in the 19th century.
the effect of the Earth's motion on the hypothetical aether, which was used to explain the null result of the Michelson-Morley experiment
Example
Aether drag was one of the explanations proposed for the null result of the Michelson-Morley experiment.
Origins of aether
from Greek 'aithēr', meaning 'upper air'
Summary: aether in Brief
'Aether' [ˈiːθər] is a substance that was believed in the past to fill all space and to be necessary for the transmission of light. The concept of aether was widely accepted in ancient times and scientists used to believe that light waves traveled through it. However, the theory of aether was eventually replaced by the theory of relativity. Phrases like 'luminiferous aether' and 'aether theories' refer to various scientific theories that attempted to explain the nature of aether.