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modulus definition

modu·lus (mäjə ləs)

noun pl. moduli -·u·li′ (-lī′)

  1. Math.
    1. the absolute value of a complex number, computed by adding the squares of each part and taking the positive square root of the sum (i.e.: the modulus of a + bi is )
    2. a quantity which gives the same remainders when it is the divisor of two quantities
    3. the factor by which a logarithm to one base is multiplied to change it to a logarithm to another base
  2. Physics a quantity expressing the response of a sample of material to an external stimulus, as mechanical stress: the response is usually expressed as a fractional change in the physical quantity being affected

Etymology: ModL < L: see module

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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