constant

constant [kon-stuhnt] SynonymsWord Origin adjective

1. not changing or varying; uniform; regular; invariable: All conditions during the three experiments were constant.
2. continuing without pause or letup; unceasing: constant noise.
3. regularly recurrent; continual; persistent: He found it impossible to work with constant interruption.
4. faithful; unswerving in love, devotion, etc.: a constant lover.
5. steadfast; firm in mind or purpose; resolute.
6. Obsolete. certain; confident.

noun

7. something that does not or cannot change or vary.
8. Physics. a number expressing a property, quantity, or relation that remains unchanged under specified conditions.
9. Mathematics. a quantity assumed to be unchanged throughout a given discussion.

Origin of constant 1350–1400; Middle English Latin constant- (stem of constāns, present participle of constāre to stand firm), equivalent to con- con- + stā- stand + -nt- present participle suffixRelated formscon·stant·ly, adverbnon·con·stant, noun, adjectiveo·ver·con·stant, adjectiveo·ver·con·stant·ly, adverbo·ver·con·stant·ness, nounqua·si-con·stant, adjectivequa·si-con·stant·ly, adverbun·con·stant, adjectiveun·con·stant·ly, adverbSynonyms for constant 1. unchanging, immutable, permanent. 2. perpetual, unremitting, uninterrupted. 3. incessant, ceaseless. 4. loyal, staunch, true. See faithful. 5. steady, unwavering, unswerving.Antonyms for constant 1. changeable. 2. fitful. 3. sporadic. 4. unreliable. 5. wavering. British Dictionary definitions for quasi-constant constant adjective

1. fixed and invariable; unchanging
2. continual or continuous; incessantconstant interruptions
3. resolute in mind, purpose, or affection; loyal

noun

4. something that is permanent or unchanging
5. a specific quantity that is always invariablethe velocity of light is a constant
6. 1. mathsa symbol representing an unspecified number that remains invariable throughout a particular series of operations
   2. physicsa theoretical or experimental quantity or property that is considered invariable throughout a particular series of calculations or experiments
7. See logical constant

Derived Formsconstantly, adverbWord Origin for constant C14: from Old French, from Latin constāns standing firm, from constāre to be steadfast, from stāre to stand Constant noun

1. Benjamin (bɛ̃ʒamɛ̃). real name Henri Benjamin Constant de Rebecque. 1767–1830, French writer and politician: author of the psychological novel Adolphe (1816)

Word Origin and History for quasi-constant constant adj.

late 14c., “steadfast, resolute,” from Old French constant (14c.) or directly from Latin constantem (nominative constans) “standing firm, stable, steadfast, faithful,” present participle of constare, from com- “together” (see com-) + stare “to stand,” from PIE root *sta- “to stand” (see stet). Of actions and conditions from 1650s. Related: Constantly.

constant n.

1832 in mathematics and physics, from constant (adj.).

quasi-constant in Medicine constant [kŏn′stənt] adj.

1. Continually occurring; persistent.
2. Unchanging in nature, value, or extent; invariable.

n.

1. A quantity assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.
2. An experimental or theoretical condition, factor, or quantity that does not vary or that is regarded as invariant in specified circumstances.

quasi-constant in Science constant [kŏn′stənt]

1. A quantity that is unknown but assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.
2. A theoretical or experimental quantity, condition, or factor that does not vary in specified circumstances. Avogadro’s number and Planck’s constant are examples of constants.

quasi-constant in Culture constant

A number that appears in equations and formulas and does not vary or change. Examples are Planck’s constant and the speed of light.