Arbitrary constant

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 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]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • 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… …   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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