modulus

[moj-uh-luh s] /ˈmɒdʒ ə ləs/
noun, plural moduli
[moj-uh-ahy] /ˈmɒdʒ ə aɪ/ (Show IPA)
1.
Physics. a coefficient pertaining to a physical property.
2.
Mathematics.
  1. that number by which the logarithms in one system are multiplied to yield the logarithms in another.
  2. a quantity by which two given quantities can be divided to yield the same remainders.
  3. absolute value.
Origin
1555-65; < Latin: a unit of measure; see mode1, -ule
Examples from the web for modulus
  • Actual materials have been invented that have a negative modulus, they expand under pressure.
  • The modulus squares of the probability amplitudes determine the probabilities.
  • The modulus of subgrade reaction is directly proportional to the loaded area and inversely proportional to the deflection.
British Dictionary definitions for modulus

modulus

/ˈmɒdjʊləs/
noun (pl) -li (-ˌlaɪ)
1.
(physics) a coefficient expressing a specified property of a specified substance See bulk modulus, modulus of rigidity, Young's modulus
2.
(maths) the absolute value of a complex number See absolute value
3.
(maths) the number by which a logarithm to one base is multiplied to give the corresponding logarithm to another base
4.
(maths) an integer that can be divided exactly into the difference between two other integers: 7 is a modulus of 25 and 11 See also congruence (sense 2)
Word Origin
C16: from Latin, diminutive of modus measure
modulus in Science
modulus
  (mŏj'ə-ləs)   
Plural moduli (mŏj'ə-lī')

  1. A number by which two given numbers can be divided and produce the same remainder.

  2. The numerical length of the vector that represents a complex number. For a complex number a + bi, the modulus is the square root of (a2 + b2).

  3. The number by which a logarithm to one base must be multiplied to obtain the corresponding logarithm to another base.