big-bang
UK[ˌbɪɡ ˈbæŋ]US[ˌbɪɡ ˈbæŋ]
n
The rapid expansion of matter from a state of extremely high density and temperature that, according to current cosmological theories, marked the origin of the universe.
n
A sudden and very significant beginning or change, especially one that creates a new situation.
Morpheme Breakdown
big
bang
big
large
bang
loud explosive sound
Etymology
The term 'big bang' is a modern English compound formed from two common words, 'big' and 'bang'. It was coined in 1949 by the British astronomer Fred Hoyle during a BBC radio broadcast, who used it in a somewhat dismissive manner to describe the theory of an explosive origin for the universe. The literal imagery of a 'large explosion' was a vivid, if simplistic, metaphor for the cataclysmic event theorized by cosmologists. Over time, the term was adopted by the scientific community and the public, evolving from a colloquial label into the standard name for the prevailing cosmological model, while also spawning a figurative meaning for any sudden, transformative beginning.
Analysis
Structure: big (large) + bang (loud explosive sound)
- big: From Middle English 'bigge', of uncertain origin, possibly from a Scandinavian source. In this compound, it functions as an adjective meaning 'of great size or intensity'.
- bang: Likely of Scandinavian origin (e.g., Old Norse 'banga', to hammer). In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning 'a sudden loud noise or explosive sound'.
Examples
The big-bang theory suggests the universe began approximately 13.8 billion years ago.
The company's new product launch was a big-bang event that reshaped the entire industry.
Scientists study cosmic microwave background radiation as evidence for the big bang.