A term in Einstein's field equations representing the energy density of empty space, originally introduced to allow for a static universe but now associated with dark energy driving cosmic acceleration. It represents a constant energy density that fills space homogeneously.
Introduced by Albert Einstein in 1917 as the Greek letter lambda (Λ) in his field equations to counteract gravitational collapse and maintain a static universe. After Hubble's discovery of expansion, Einstein called it his 'greatest mistake,' but it was later revived to explain accelerating expansion.
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