modulus

[ moj-uh-luhs ]

/ ˈmɒdʒ ə ləs /

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noun, plural mod·u·li

[moj-uh-ahy]. /ˈmɒdʒ ə aɪ/.

Physics. a coefficient pertaining to a physical property.

Mathematics.

that number by which the logarithms in one system are multiplied to yield the logarithms in another.
a quantity by which two given quantities can be divided to yield the same remainders.
absolute value.

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Origin of modulus

1555–65; <Latin: a unit of measure; see mode¹, -ule

Words nearby modulus

modulate, modulation, modulator, module, modulo, modulus, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rigidity, modus operandi, modus ponens, modus tollens

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use modulus in a sentence

Owing to the yielding of joints when a beam is first loaded a smaller modulus of elasticity should be taken than for a solid bar.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
An ear but moderately learned in that language cannot be deceived as to the rate and modulus of the suffering which it indicates.
The Posthumous Works of Thomas De Quincey, Vol. 1 (2 vols)|Thomas De Quincey
This modulus is found in the diameter of the column, and the standard of proportion which is based upon it is called a canon.
A history of art in ancient Egypt, Vol. I (of 2)|Georges Perrot
The measure of the stiffness of wood is termed the modulus of elasticity (or coefficient of elasticity).
The Mechanical Properties of Wood|Samuel J. Record

The modulus of rupture in bending lies between the first power and the square of the density.
The Mechanical Properties of Wood|Samuel J. Record

British Dictionary definitions for modulus

modulus

/ (ˈmɒdjʊləs) /

noun plural -li (-ˌlaɪ)

physics a coefficient expressing a specified property of a specified substanceSee bulk modulus, modulus of rigidity, Young's modulus

maths the absolute value of a complex numberSee absolute value

maths the number by which a logarithm to one base is multiplied to give the corresponding logarithm to another base

maths an integer that can be divided exactly into the difference between two other integers7 is a modulus of 25 and 11 See also congruence (def. 2)

Word Origin for modulus

C16: from Latin, diminutive of modus measure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for modulus

modulus

[ mŏj′ə-ləs ]

Plural moduli (mŏj′ə-lī′)

A number by which two given numbers can be divided and produce the same remainder.

The numerical length of the vector that represents a complex number. For a complex number a + bi, the modulus is the square root of (a2 + b2).

The number by which a logarithm to one base must be multiplied to obtain the corresponding logarithm to another base.