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English Dictionary: Constant by the DICT Development Group
4 results for Constant
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
constant
adj
  1. unvarying in nature; "maintained a constant temperature"; "principles of unvarying validity"
    Synonym(s): changeless, constant, invariant, unvarying
  2. steadfast in purpose or devotion or affection; "a man constant in adherence to his ideals"; "a constant lover"; "constant as the northern star"
    Antonym(s): inconstant
  3. 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"
    Synonym(s): ceaseless, constant, incessant, never- ending, perpetual, unceasing, unremitting
n
  1. a quantity that does not vary [syn: constant, {constant quantity}, invariable]
  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 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 [bd]standing[b8] 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.
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