Arbitrary constant

Arbitrary constant
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.]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • Arbitrary constant — 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • arbitrary constant — laisvoji konstanta statusas T sritis fizika atitikmenys: angl. arbitrary constant vok. beliebige Konstante, f; willkürliche Konstante, f rus. произвольная постоянная, f pranc. constante arbitraire, f …   Fizikos terminų žodynas

  • arbitrary constant — noun mathematics : a symbol to which various values may be assigned but which remains unaffected by the changes in the values of the variables of the equation …   Useful english dictionary

  • 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Arbitrary function — 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Arbitrary quantity — 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Constant of aberration — 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Constant of integration — 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… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • constant — [kän′stənt] adj. [ME & OFr constaunt < L constans: see CONSTANCY] 1. not changing; remaining the same; specif., a) remaining firm in purpose; resolute b) remaining steady in affections or loyalties; faithful c) remaining free from variation or …   English World dictionary

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