invariant

adjective

in·​vari·​ant (ˌ)in-ˈver-ē-ənt How to pronounce invariant (audio)
: constant, unchanging
specifically : unchanged by specified mathematical or physical operations or transformations
invariant factor
invariant noun

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Both theories were scale invariant, meaning the physics of the systems the theories described didn't change as the systems got larger or smaller. Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2023 The whole quantum formalism of a single bit, is invariant under 3 dimensional rotations. Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2011 Those proofs are invariant across individuals and subcultures. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2013 For example, has the advantage to height been invariant at all times and places? Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2011 In 2006 Watanabe successfully reformulated Kontsevich’s invariant to apply to Smale’s conjecture. Quanta Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021 That's due to another symmetry -- the laws of physics are invariant under translations (changes of position). Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 22 Nov. 2012 Scientists and philosophers began to seek objectivity in structures, the invariant relationships between things. Hari Kunzru, Harper’s Magazine , 22 June 2022 The new work also raises hopes that mathematicians might be closing in on an even more ambitious result: proving that these physical models are conformally invariant. Quanta Magazine, 8 July 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'invariant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of invariant was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near invariant

Cite this Entry

“Invariant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invariant. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

invariant

adjective
in·​vari·​ant (ˈ)in-ˈver-ē-ənt How to pronounce invariant (audio)
-ˈvar-
: not changing or altering
invariant noun

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