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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The higher the absolute value of the beta coefficient, the stronger the effect of diet quality on the outcome. New Atlas, 15 Dec. 2024 There is no absolute value to anything the first B-girl is doing. Dvora Meyers, WIRED, 9 Aug. 2024 To watch the greats (in absolute value) duke it out, yet again? Ginny Hogan, The New Yorker, 8 May 2024 That paper found that tariffs had a substantial impact on trade, reducing U.S. imports of the goods that were subject to the levies, even as the absolute value of U.S. trade with China continued to rise. Jeanna Smialek, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2023 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

Dictionary Entries Near absolute value

Cite this Entry

“Absolute value.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/absolute%20value. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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