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5 definitions found
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 : [ gcide ]
Constant \Con"stant\, n.
1. That which is not subject to change; that which is
invariable.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Math.) A quantity that does not change its value; -- used
in countradistinction to variable.
[1913 Webster]
3. (Astron.) A number whose value, when ascertained (as by
observation) and substituted in a general mathematical
formula expressing an astronomical law, completely
determines that law and enables predictions to be made of
its effect in particular cases.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
4. (Physics) A number expressing some property or condition
of a substance or of an instrument of precision; as, the
dielectric constant of quartz; the collimation constant of
a transit instrument.
[Webster 1913 Suppl.]
5. (Computers) a data structure that does not change during
the course of execution of a program. It may be a number,
a string, or a more complex data structure; -- contrasted
with variable.
[PJC]
Aberration constant, or Constant of aberration (Astron.),
a number which by substitution in the general formula for
aberration enables a prediction to be made of the effect
of aberration on a star anywhere situated. Its value is
20[sec].47.
Absolute constant (Math.), one whose value is absolutely
the same under all circumstances, as the number 10, or any
numeral.
Arbitrary constant, an undetermined constant in a
differential equation having the same value during all
changes in the values of the variables.
Gravitation constant (Physics), the acceleration per unit
of time produced by the attraction of a unit of mass at
unit distance. When this is known the acceleration
produced at any distance can be calculated.
Solar constant (Astron.), the quantity of heat received by
the earth from the sun in a unit of time. It is, on the C.
G. S. system, 0.0417 small calories per square centimeter
per second. --Young. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Constant of integration (Math.), an undetermined constant
added to every result of integration.
[1913 Webster + Webster 1913 Suppl.]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 : [ gcide ]
Arbitrary \Ar"bi*tra*ry\, a. [L. arbitrarius, fr. arbiter: cf.
F. arbitraire. See Arbiter.]
1. Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed
rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment.
[1913 Webster]
It was wholly arbitrary in them to do so. --Jer.
Taylor.
[1913 Webster]
Rank pretends to fix the value of every one, and is
the most arbitrary of all things. --Landor.
[1913 Webster]
2. Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and
therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the
possession of power.
[1913 Webster]
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the
ruins of liberty abused licentiousness.
--Washington.
[1913 Webster]
3. Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and
unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or
government. --Dryden.
[1913 Webster]
Arbitrary constant, Arbitrary function (Math.), a
quantity of function that is introduced into the solution
of a problem, and to which any value or form may at will
be given, so that the solution may be made to meet special
requirements.
Arbitrary quantity (Math.), one to which any value can be
assigned at pleasure.
[1913 Webster]
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) : [ web1913 ]
Arbitrary \Ar"bi*tra*ry\, a. [L. arbitrarius, fr. arbiter: cf.
F. arbitraire. See Arbiter.]
1. Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed
rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment.
It was wholly arbitrary in them to do so. --Jer.
Taylor.
Rank pretends to fix the value of every one, and is
the most arbitrary of all things. --Landor.
2. Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and
therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the
possession of power.
Arbitrary power is most easily established on the
ruins of liberty abused licentiousness.
--Washington.
3. Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and
unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or
government. --Dryden.
Arbitrary constant, Arbitrary function (Math.), a
quantity of function that is introduced into the solution
of a problem, and to which any value or form may at will
be given, so that the solution may be made to meet special
requirements.
Arbitrary quantity (Math.), one to which any value can be
assigned at pleasure.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) : [ web1913 ]
Constant \Con"stant\, n.
1. That which is not subject to change; that which is
invariable.
2. (Math.) A quantity that does not change its value; -- used
in countradistinction to variable.
Absolute constant (Math.), one whose value is absolutely
the same under all circumstances, as the number 10, or any
numeral.
Arbitrary constant, an undetermined constant in a
differential equation having the same value during all
changes in the values of the variables.
From English - German Ding/FreeDict dictionary ver. 1.9-fd1 : [ freedict:eng-deu ]
arbitrary constant /ˈɑːbɪtɹəɹi kˈɒnstənt/
willkürliche Konstante
see: constant term, constant, absolute term, constant terms, constants, absolute terms, instructional constant
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