Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
⚡ Faster than light ⚡ Faster-than-light thing
superluminal

superluminal

9.9
A particle or signal that moves faster than the speed of light
  • noun
  • /ˌsuːpərˈluːmɪnəl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : superluminal
  • Scientists debated whether the observed jet was truly superluminal or just an optical illusion.

Examples

  • The concept of a superluminal signal challenges our understanding of physics.

  • Some theories predict the existence of superluminal particles, though none have been confirmed.

  • Some scientists believe in the existence of superluminal particles.

  • Could a superluminal signal change our understanding of physics?

  • Scientists theorize that certain particles may be classified as superluminal if they can travel faster than light.

  • The concept of superluminal communication raises intriguing questions about the nature of time and space.

  • Many physicists are exploring the implications of superluminal travel in the context of advanced propulsion systems.

Surface Forms

superluminal singular
superluminals plural

Morphology

superluminal = luminal (transparent) = super + lumin + al

The noun sense names an entity characterized by being 'super-' + 'luminal', so the composition is straightforward and interpretable from the adjective base.

Etymology

Superluminal comes from super- ('above' or 'beyond') and luminal from the Latin word 'lumen' ('light'), like in luminous. So a superluminal is a particle or signal that moves or appears to move faster than the speed of light.