noun
Also called space-time continuum. the four-dimensional continuum, having three spatial coordinates and one temporal coordinate, in which all physical quantities may be located.
the physical reality that exists within this four-dimensional continuum.
adjective
of, relating to, or noting a system with three spatial coordinates and one temporal coordinate.
noting, pertaining to, or involving both space and time:
a space-time problem.
In physics and mathematics, the space-time continuum is a model of understanding space and time in a way that emphasizes their geometric qualities and views them as parts of a single concept that spans multiple dimensions, including time. This concept was developed as a means of describing space and time as physical constructs that are closely related to each other. Albert Einstein and other scientists following him developed this concept.
The concept of a space-time continuum as a model for understanding parts of the universe goes hand in hand with Albert Einstein's theory of relativity. According to Stanford University, this theory helped draw connections between space and time and led scientists to understand that there had to be a relationship between the two. Space takes up three dimensions, while time takes up one, so space-time has four dimensions. Because scientists and physicists do not believe that there are any holes or gaps in this multidimensional object, it is considered a continuum. Another property of the fabric of space-time is that it can be divided and subdivided without any limits. Any object or event throughout history has a place and can be described by its location on the space-time continuum.
