frame of reference
noun phrase
1
: an arbitrary set of axes with reference to which the position or motion of something is described or physical laws are formulated
2
: a set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood
a Marxian frame of reference
Examples of frame of reference in a Sentence
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The atmosphere is a fluid within a rotating frame of reference.
—
Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Credit: Giulia Marthaler In the above example, two quintessential properties of quantum systems—superposition and entanglement—turn out to depend on the frame of reference.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, WIRED, 29 Dec. 2024
For a frame of reference, shows at these venues could look like The Shelter from Eminem’s 8 Mile one night and First Avenue in Prince’s Purple Rain the next.
—Maurice Garland, SPIN, 19 Dec. 2024
Spain has the 26th best health care in the world according to the 2023 Health Care Index (for frame of reference, the United States ranks 69th on the same list).
—Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
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Marshall Shepherd, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024
Credit: Giulia Marthaler In the above example, two quintessential properties of quantum systems—superposition and entanglement—turn out to depend on the frame of reference.
—Anil Ananthaswamy, WIRED, 29 Dec. 2024
For a frame of reference, shows at these venues could look like The Shelter from Eminem’s 8 Mile one night and First Avenue in Prince’s Purple Rain the next.
—Maurice Garland, SPIN, 19 Dec. 2024
Spain has the 26th best health care in the world according to the 2023 Health Care Index (for frame of reference, the United States ranks 69th on the same list).
—Kathleen Peddicord, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for frame of reference
Dictionary Entries Near frame of reference
Cite this Entry
“Frame of reference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frame%20of%20reference. Accessed 16 Jan. 2025.
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