arbitrary constant

2 definitions found

arbitrary constant - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Constant \Con"stant\, n.
     1. That which is not subject to change; that which is
        invariable.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. (Math.) A quantity that does not change its value; -- used
        in countradistinction to variable.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Astron.) A number whose value, when ascertained (as by
        observation) and substituted in a general mathematical
        formula expressing an astronomical law, completely
        determines that law and enables predictions to be made of
        its effect in particular cases.
        [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     4. (Physics) A number expressing some property or condition
        of a substance or of an instrument of precision; as, the
        dielectric constant of quartz; the collimation constant of
        a transit instrument.
        [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     5. (Computers) a data structure that does not change during
        the course of execution of a program. It may be a number,
        a string, or a more complex data structure; -- contrasted
        with variable.
        [PJC]
  
     Aberration constant, or Constant of aberration (Astron.),
        a number which by substitution in the general formula for
        aberration enables a prediction to be made of the effect
        of aberration on a star anywhere situated. Its value is
        20[sec].47.
  
     Absolute constant (Math.), one whose value is absolutely
        the same under all circumstances, as the number 10, or any
        numeral.
  
     Arbitrary constant, an undetermined constant in a
        differential equation having the same value during all
        changes in the values of the variables.
  
     Gravitation constant (Physics), the acceleration per unit
        of time produced by the attraction of a unit of mass at
        unit distance. When this is known the acceleration
        produced at any distance can be calculated.
  
     Solar constant (Astron.), the quantity of heat received by
        the earth from the sun in a unit of time. It is, on the C.
        G. S. system, 0.0417 small calories per square centimeter
        per second. --Young. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
  
     Constant of integration (Math.), an undetermined constant
        added to every result of integration.
        [1913 Webster + Webster 1913 Suppl.]

  Arbitrary \Ar"bi*tra*ry\, a. [L. arbitrarius, fr. arbiter: cf.
     F. arbitraire. See Arbiter.]
     1. Depending on will or discretion; not governed by any fixed
        rules; as, an arbitrary decision; an arbitrary punishment.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              It was wholly arbitrary in them to do so. --Jer.
                                                    Taylor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Rank pretends to fix the value of every one, and is
              the most arbitrary of all things.     --Landor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. Exercised according to one's own will or caprice, and
        therefore conveying a notion of a tendency to abuse the
        possession of power.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Arbitrary power is most easily established on the
              ruins of liberty abused licentiousness.
                                                    --Washington.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Despotic; absolute in power; bound by no law; harsh and
        unforbearing; tyrannical; as, an arbitrary prince or
        government.                                 --Dryden.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Arbitrary constant, Arbitrary function (Math.), a
        quantity of function that is introduced into the solution
        of a problem, and to which any value or form may at will
        be given, so that the solution may be made to meet special
        requirements.
  
     Arbitrary quantity (Math.), one to which any value can be
        assigned at pleasure.
        [1913 Webster]