modulus

noun

mod·​u·​lus ˈmä-jə-ləs 

plural moduli ˈmä-jə-ˌlī 

-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

b

: absolute value sense 2

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

What's more, when the alloys were strength-tested, the 3% Ga version exhibited a Young's modulus that was 37% less than that of Ti-6Al-4V, while the 5% Ga version was 44% less. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2024

This entropy, in turn, is proportional to the bit length of the modulus. —Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 9 Aug. 2024

Lower modulus ratings will be more elastic, while higher modulus ratings will be crisper and more sensitive. —Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 28 Mar. 2024

Essentially, modulus is a measurement of the stiffness of the carbon fibers that make up the rod’s blank. —Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 28 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, small measure

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing modulus

• elastic modulus

Kids Definition

modulus

noun

mod·​u·​lus ˈmäj-ə-ləs 

plural moduli -ˌlī 

-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 

plural moduli -ˌlī  -ˌlē 

: a constant or coefficient that expresses usually numerically the degree to which a substance or body possesses a property (as elasticity)