Definitions for: Constant


[n] a quantity that does not vary
[n] a number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context; "the velocity of light is a constant"
[adj] steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection; "a man constant in adherence to his ideals"; "a constant lover"; "constant as the northern star"
[adj] continually recurring or continuing without interruption; "constant repetition of the exercise"; "constant chatter of monkeys"
[adj] uninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuing; "the ceaseless thunder of surf"; "in constant pain"; "night and day we live with the incessant noise of the city"; "the never-ending search for happiness"; "the perpetual struggle to maintain standards in a democracy"; "man's unceasing warfare with drought and isolation"; "unremitting demands of hunger"
[adj] persistent in occurrence and unvarying in nature; "maintained a constant temperature"; "a constant beat"; "principles of unvarying validity"; "a steady breeze"



Webster (1913) Definition: Con"stant, a. [L. onstans, -antis, p. pr. of constare
to stand firm, to be consistent; con- + stare to stand: cf.
F. constant. See Stand and cf. Cost, v. t.]
1. Firm; solid; fixed; immovable; -- opposed to fluid. [Obs.]

If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid
liquors into a constant body. --Boyle.

2. Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular;
continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful;
not fickle.

Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained
constant friends. --Sir P.
Sidney.

I am constant to my purposes. --Shak.

His gifts, his constant ourtship, nothing gained.
--Dryden.

Onward the constant current sweeps. --Longfellow.

3. (Math. & Physics) Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a
quantity, force, law, etc.

4. Consistent; logical. [Obs.] --Shak.

Syn: Fixed; steadfast; unchanging; permanent; unalterable;
immutable; invariable; perpetual; continual; resolute;
firm; unshaken; determined.

Usage: Constant, Continual, Perpetual. These words are
sometimes used in an absolute and sometimes in a
qualified sense. Constant denotes, in its absolute
sense, unchangeably fixed; as, a constant mind or
purpose. In its qualified sense, it marks something as
a ``standing'' fact or occurence; as, liable to
constant interruptions; constantly called for.
Continual, in its absolute sense, coincides with
continuous. See Continuous. In its qualified sense,
it describes a thing as occuring in steady and rapid
succession; as, a round of continual calls;
continually changing. Perpetual denotes, in its
absolute sense, what literally never ceases or comes
to an end; as, perpetual motion. In its qualified
sense, it is used hyperbolically, and denotes that
which rarely ceases; as, perpetual disturbance;
perpetual noise; perpetual intermeddling.


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.


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.

Synonyms: ceaseless, changeless, constant quantity, continual, continuous, incessant, invariant, never-ending, perpetual, staunch, steadfast, steady, unceasing, unfailing, unflagging, uninterrupted, unremitting, unswerving, unvarying

Antonyms: inconstant

See Also: Avogadro number, Avogadro's number, Boltzmann's constant, c, coefficient, constant of gravitation, constant of proportionality, cosmological constant, equilibrium constant, factor of proportionality, faithful, G, gas constant, gravitational constant, Hubble constant, Hubble's constant, invariable, ionic charge, light speed, number, parameter, parametric quantity, quantity, R, speed of light, stable, unchangeable, universal gas constant, universal gravitational constant

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