modulus

noun

mod·​u·​lus ˈmä-jə-ləs 

plural moduli ˈmä-jə-ˌlī 

-ˌlē

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 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

2

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

Examples of modulus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lower modulus ratings will be more elastic, while higher modulus ratings will be crisper and more sensitive. —Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 28 Mar. 2024

Essentially, modulus is a measurement of the stiffness of the carbon fibers that make up the rod’s blank. —Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 28 Mar. 2024

If the researchers’ rejuvenated samples were any indication, then prolonged radiation exposure increased the Young’s modulus of the glass by as much as 70 percent. —Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023

As for the problem of observables, Doughnutland gives us a set of objectively measurable quantities—namely, the moduli. —Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015

Its blank is a mix of 42-million modulus graphite and fiberglass, which adds sensitivity while preserving the all-important moderate action. —Pete M. Anderson, Field & Stream, 21 June 2023

This number provides a type of measurement of the moduli space. —Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 16 Feb. 2023

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, small measure

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing modulus

• elastic modulus

Kids Definition

modulus

noun

mod·​u·​lus ˈmäj-ə-ləs 

plural moduli -ˌlī 

-ˌlē

: a fixed whole number by which all the numbers in a system of modular arithmetic are divided

using the modulus 5, the product of 3 times 4 equals 2 because 12 divided by 5 has remainder 2

Medical Definition

modulus

noun

mod·​u·​lus ˈmäj-ə-ləs 

plural moduli -ˌlī  -ˌlē 

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