modulus

noun

mod·u·lus ˈmä-jə-ləs

plural moduli ˈmä-jə-ˌlī

-ˌlē

: 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

: absolute value sense 2

c(1)

: the number (such as a positive integer) or other mathematical entity (such as a polynomial) in a congruence that divides the difference of the two congruent members without leaving a remainder compare residue sense b

(2)

: the number of different numbers used in a system of modular arithmetic

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The modulus of the torus universe is correlated with its size, for instance, and A Square perceives this as a universe evolving in time. —

Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015 What gravity in a toroidal universe does is to cause the modulus to evolve in time. —

Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015 The modulus can be any positive number. —

Popular Mechanics, 21 Feb. 2021 The range of the modulus was 195-480 kPa. —

Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 22 Sep. 2012 The researchers explain: An entity controlling MEGA’s core infrastructure can tamper with the encrypted RSA private key and deceive the client into leaking information about one of the prime factors of the RSA modulus during the session ID exchange. —

Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 21 June 2022 The DermaLab suction cup and the DermaScanC ultrasound were used to measure the modulus of elasticity and the skin thickness, respectively. —

Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 22 Sep. 2012 Elastic modulus of a substance is theratioofthestressappliedtothe resulting strain. —

Elsbeth Sites, Discover Magazine, 17 July 2014 That’s wrapped in a stiffer, high-modulus carbon interlaced with fiberglass, which adds strength. —

Stephanie Pearson, Outside Online, 30 Aug. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modulus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.