modulus

mod·u·lus

noun \ˈmä-jə-ləs\

plural mod·u·li\-ˌlī, -ˌlē\

Definition of MODULUS

1

a : the factor by which a logarithm of a number to one base is multiplied to obtain the logarithm of the number to a new base b : absolute value 2 c (1) : the number (as a positive integer) or other mathematical entity (as a polynomial) in a congruence that divides the difference of the two congruent members without leaving a remainder — compare residue b (2) : the number of different numbers used in a system of modular arithmetic

2

: a constant or coefficient that expresses usually numerically the degree to which a body or substance possesses a particular property (as elasticity)

Origin of MODULUS

New Latin, from Latin, small measure

First Known Use: 1753