catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  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.]

  Constant \Con"stant\, n.
     1. (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.
  
     2. (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.
  
     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.
  
     Constant of integration (Math.), an undetermined constant
        added to every result of integration.
  
     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.