Found 1 items, similar to Arbitrary constant.
English → English (gcide) Definition: Arbitrary constant Constant \Con"stant\, n. 1. That which is not subject to change; that which is invariable. [1913 Webster] 2. (Math.) A quantity that does not change its value; -- used in countradistinction to variable. [1913 Webster] 3. (Astron.) A number whose value, when ascertained (as by observation) and substituted in a general mathematical formula expressing an astronomical law, completely determines that law and enables predictions to be made of its effect in particular cases. [Webster 1913 Suppl.] 4. (Physics) A number expressing some property or condition of a substance or of an instrument of precision; as, the dielectric constant of quartz; the collimation constant of a transit instrument. [Webster 1913 Suppl.] 5. (Computers) a data structure that does not change during the course of execution of a program. It may be a number, a string, or a more complex data structure; -- contrasted with variable. [PJC] Aberration constant, or Constant of aberration (Astron.), a number which by substitution in the general formula for aberration enables a prediction to be made of the effect of aberration on a star anywhere situated. Its value is 20[sec].47. Absolute constant (Math.), one whose value is absolutely the same under all circumstances, as the number 10, or any numeral. Arbitrary constant, an undetermined constant in a differential equation having the same value during all changes in the values of the variables. Gravitation constant (Physics), the acceleration per unit of time produced by the attraction of a unit of mass at unit distance. When this is known the acceleration produced at any distance can be calculated. Solar constant (Astron.), the quantity of heat received by the earth from the sun in a unit of time. It is, on the C. G. S. system, 0.0417 small calories per square centimeter per second. --Young. [Webster 1913 Suppl.] Constant of integration (Math.), an undetermined constant added to every result of integration. [1913 Webster + Webster 1913 Suppl.] Arbitrary \Ar"bi*tra*ry\, a. [L. arbitrarius, fr. arbiter: cf. F. arbitraire. See Arbiter.] 1. Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment. [1913 Webster] It was wholly arbitrary in them to do so. --Jer. Taylor. [1913 Webster] Rank pretends to fix the value of every one, and is the most arbitrary of all things. --Landor. [1913 Webster] 2. Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the possession of power. [1913 Webster] Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused licentiousness. --Washington. [1913 Webster] 3. Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or government. --Dryden. [1913 Webster] Arbitrary constant, Arbitrary function (Math.), a quantity of function that is introduced into the solution of a problem, and to which any value or form may at will be given, so that the solution may be made to meet special requirements. Arbitrary quantity (Math.), one to which any value can be assigned at pleasure. [1913 Webster]