gravitational lens

Noun

gravitational lens (plural gravitational lenses)

1. A distribution of matter whose gravitational field bends the path of light rays sufficiently to distort, magnify or multiply images of more distant objects.
   • Thus the galactic gravitational lens effect is not important in maintaining the radio reference coordinate system with mas accuracy, if quasars as fiduciary points are pertinently selected.1981, Ido Kansokujo, editor, Publications of the International Latitude Observatory of Mizusawa, Volumes 15-20, page 27
   • The two other examples of gravitational lenses discussed above have not been modeled as elaborately.1987, McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology, Volume 8, McGraw-Hill, unnumbered page