modulus noun. ['mɒdjʊlǝs] Pl. -li [-lʌɪ, -li:], -luses. M16.
[Latin, dim. of modus MODE.]
1. Architecture. = MODULE noun 4a. M16-M17.

2. Math.
a. A number by which logarithms to one base must be multiplied in order to obtain the corresponding logarithms to another base. M18.
b. A constant multiplier, coefficient, or parameter. M19.
c. A measure of a quantity which depends on two or more other quantities; esp. the absolute value of a complex quantity. M19.
d. A number by which another number may be divided leaving a remainder. Cf. CONGRUENT 2b, RESIDUE 4. M19.

3. Physics & Engineering. A numerical quantity representing some property of a substance, and equal to the ratio of the magnitude of a (usu. mechanical) cause to the magnitude of its effect on the substance; spec. = modulus of elasticity below. E19.
bulk modulus: see BULK noun¹ & adjective. modulus of elasticity, elastic modulus the ratio of the stress acting on a substance to the strain produced (also YOUNG'S MODULUS). modulus of RIGIDITY.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲