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

The trace that goes in front of , for example, depends on how behaves when the modulus is 31. — Quanta Magazine, 9 Sep. 2026

Testing happens the following day, starting with measurements of flexural strength, Young’s modulus, and compressive strength on ice beams cut from the sheet. — Deena Theresa, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026

Specifically, the stiffness of the bar (the Young’s modulus) can vary quite a bit. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026

Introducing cuts should significantly reduce Young’s modulus, a measure of how robust the material is under stress. — Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2024

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)