modulus

noun

mod·​u·​lus ˈmä-jə-ləs How to pronounce modulus (audio)
plural moduli ˈmä-jə-ˌlī How to pronounce modulus (audio)
-ˌlē
1
a
: the factor by which a logarithm of a number to one base is multiplied to obtain the logarithm of the number to a new base
c(1)
: the number (such as a positive integer) or other mathematical entity (such as a polynomial) in a congruence that divides the difference of the two congruent members without leaving a remainder compare residue sense b
(2)
: the number of different numbers used in a system of modular arithmetic
2
: a constant or coefficient that expresses usually numerically the degree to which a body or substance possesses a particular property (such as elasticity)

Examples of modulus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If the researchers’ rejuvenated samples were any indication, then prolonged radiation exposure increased the Young’s modulus of the glass by as much as 70 percent. Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023 As for the problem of observables, Doughnutland gives us a set of objectively measurable quantities—namely, the moduli. Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015 Its blank is a mix of 42-million modulus graphite and fiberglass, which adds sensitivity while preserving the all-important moderate action. Pete M. Anderson, Field & Stream, 21 June 2023 This number provides a type of measurement of the moduli space. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 16 Feb. 2023 The modulus of the torus universe is correlated with its size, for instance, and A Square perceives this as a universe evolving in time. Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015 What gravity in a toroidal universe does is to cause the modulus to evolve in time. Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015 The modulus can be any positive number. Popular Mechanics, 21 Feb. 2021 The range of the modulus was 195-480 kPa. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 22 Sep. 2012

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'modulus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, small measure

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of modulus was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near modulus

Cite this Entry

“Modulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modulus. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

modulus

noun
mod·​u·​lus ˈmäj-ə-ləs How to pronounce modulus (audio)
plural moduli -ˌlī How to pronounce modulus (audio)
-ˌlē
: a fixed whole number by which all the numbers in a system of modular arithmetic are divided
using the modulus 5, the product of 3 times 4 equals 2 because 12 divided by 5 has remainder 2

Medical Definition

modulus

noun
mod·​u·​lus ˈmäj-ə-ləs How to pronounce modulus (audio)
plural moduli -ˌlī How to pronounce modulus (audio) -ˌlē How to pronounce modulus (audio)
: a constant or coefficient that expresses usually numerically the degree to which a substance or body possesses a property (as elasticity)
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