absolute value

noun

1
: a nonnegative number equal in numerical value to a given real number
2
: the positive square root of the sum of the squares of the real and imaginary parts of a complex number

Examples of absolute value in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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However, Disney+ signed an agreement to invest 25% of their French turnover in French content and 14% in French theatrical movies, proportionally more than Netflix, but less in absolute value. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025 This meant that wicked and righteous depended completely on circumstances and had no absolute value. Isaac Bashevis Singer, Harpers Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 The renowned German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, called dignity the most fundamental and absolute value – central to our very being. Ted Ladd, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025 The good news is that the absolute value of an option’s delta approximates the likelihood that an option expires in the money. Michael Khouw, CNBC, 6 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for absolute value

Word History

First Known Use

1803, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of absolute value was in 1803

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Cite this Entry

“Absolute value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolute%20value. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

absolute value

noun
: a nonnegative number that is equal to a given number with any negative sign removed
the absolute value of -3 is 3
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