5 definitions found
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
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.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Constant \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.
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 WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
constant
adj 1: persistent in occurrence and unvarying in nature;
"maintained a constant temperature"; "a constant
beat"; "principles of unvarying validity"; "a steady
breeze" [syn: {changeless}, {invariant}, {steady}, {unvarying}]
2: continually recurring or continuing without interruption;
"constant repetition of the exercise"; "constant chatter
of monkeys"
3: steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection; "a man
constant in adherence to his ideals"; "a constant lover";
"constant as the northern star" [ant: {inconstant}]
4: 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" [syn: {ceaseless}, {incessant},
{never-ending}, {perpetual}, {unceasing}, {unremitting}]
n 1: a quantity that does not vary [syn: {constant quantity}]
2: a number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed
value in a specified mathematical context; "the velocity
of light is a constant"
From eng-fra [engfra]:
constant
[kənstənt]
continuel, constant, invariable, permanent
continuel, perpétuel