The Minkowski metric is a mathematical framework used in the theory of special relativity, formulated by Hermann Minkowski. It describes the geometric properties of spacetime, combining three dimensions of space with one dimension of time into a four-dimensional continuum. The metric helps to measure distances and intervals between events in spacetime, ensuring that the speed of light remains constant for all observers. In the Minkowski metric, the interval between two events is calculated using a specific formula that accounts for both spatial and temporal separations. This interval is invariant, meaning it remains the same regardless of the observer's relative motion. This property is crucial for understanding the behavior of objects moving at high speeds and the effects of time dilation and length contraction in Einstein's theory of relativity.