Definitions

1. noun

relating to or denoting a quantity in a dynamical system that is proportional to the average of the squared distances of its constituent parts from their center.

“The virial theorem describes the relationship between the kinetic energy and potential energy of celestial objects.”

2. adjective

relating to a force or energy that acts in a particular way on the constituent parts of a system.

“The virial stress caused by the massive black hole at the center of the galaxy affected the motion of nearby stars.”