'Constant' definitions:

Definition of 'constant'

From: WordNet
adjective
Unvarying in nature; "maintained a constant temperature"; "principles of unvarying validity" [syn: changeless, constant, invariant, unvarying]
adjective
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]
adjective
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, constant, incessant, never- ending, perpetual, unceasing, unremitting]
noun
A quantity that does not vary [syn: constant, constant quantity, invariable]
noun
A number representing a quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context; "the velocity of light is a constant"

Definition of 'Constant'

From: GCIDE
  • Constant \Con"stant\ (k[o^]n"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.] [1913 Webster]
  • If . . . you mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a constant body. --Boyle. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Not liable, or given, to change; permanent; regular; continuous; continually recurring; steadfast; faithful; not fickle. Opposite of changeable and variable. [1913 Webster]
  • Both loving one fair maid, they yet remained constant friends. --Sir P. Sidney. [1913 Webster]
  • I am constant to my purposes. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • His gifts, his constant courtship, nothing gained. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
  • Onward the constant current sweeps. --Longfellow. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (Math. & Physics) Remaining unchanged or invariable, as a quantity, force, law, etc. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Constant'

From: GCIDE
  • 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.]

Synonyms of 'constant'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Constant'