Definition: constant

Source: WordNet (r) 1.7

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"

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

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.

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.