constantadj.n.
/ˈkɒnst(ə)nt/, U.S. /ˈkɑnst(ə)nt/ A. adj.† 3. † 7. Settled, firm, steady (physically). Obsolete.† 8. Consistent, consonant (to). Obsolete.† 9. Of firm or solid consistency. Obsolete. rare.
1. † b. Const. to do something. Obsolete.
a. Standing firm in mind or purpose; steadfast, unmoved, resolute.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > constancy or steadfastness > [adjective]
fasteOE
stathelfasteOE
anredOE
hardOE
starkOE
trueOE
steadfast993
fastredeOE
stithc1000
findyOE
stablea1275
stathelyc1275
stiffc1275
stablec1290
steel to the (very) backa1300
unbowinga1300
stably13..
firm1377
unmovablea1382
constantc1386
abidingc1400
toughc1400
sure1421
unmoblea1425
unfaintedc1425
unfaint1436
permanent?a1475
stalwartc1480
unbroken1513
immovable1534
inconcuss1542
unshaken1548
stout1569
unwavering1570
undiscourageable1571
fixed1574
discourageable1576
unappalled1578
resolute1579
unremoved1583
resolved1585
unflexiblea1586
unshakeda1586
square1589
unstooping1597
iron1598
rocky1601
steady1602
undeclinable1610
unboweda1616
unfainting1615
unswayed1615
staunch1624
undiscourageda1628
staid1631
unshook1633
blue?1636
true blue?1636
tenacious1640
uncomplying1643
yieldless1651
riveting1658
unshakened1659
inconquerable1660
unyielding1677
unbendinga1688
tight1690
unswerving1694
unfaltering1727
unsubmitting1730
undeviating1732
undrooping1736
impervertible1741
undamped1742
undyingc1765
sturdy1775
stiff as a poker1798
unfickle1802
indivertible1821
thick and thin1822
undisheartened1827
inconvertible1829
straightforward1829
indomitable1830
stickfast1831
unsuccumbing1833
unturnable1847
unswerved1849
undivertible1856
unforsaking1862
swerveless1863
steeve1870
rock-ribbed1884
stiff in the back1897
c1386 G. Chaucer Clerk's Tale 991 She ay sad and constant as a wal, Continuynge euere hire Innocence oueral.
1483 W. Caxton tr. Caton A viij He ought to be vertuous constant and stedfast.
1562 (title) Certayn Godly Sermons made upon the Lords Prayer, preached by the Righte Reuerende Father and constant Martyr of Christ, Master Hughe Latimer.
1606 Bp. J. Hall Medit. & Vowes III. §78 The constant suffrings of ancient Martyrs.
1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. i. 5 These things,..which thus disorder even thee a most constant person.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost v. 902 Nor number, nor example with him wrought To swerve from truth, or change his constant mind. View more context for this quotation
1669 W. Penn No Cross, No Crown i. v. §5 Stephen, that bold and constant Martyr of Jesus.
1671 J. Milton Samson Agonistes 848 The best resolv'd of men, The constantest . View more context for this quotation
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones III. viii. x. 229 Which might have affected a more constant Mind than that of Mr. Partridge. View more context for this quotation
1859 Sat. Rev. 8 726 The most constant enemy of their revolutionary..principles.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > decision > resolution or determination > [adjective]
stallc1275
unflichinga1340
adviseda1393
affirmed1440
constant1481
resolved1518
resolute1522
well-settled?1532
ratified1533
unbashed1536
bent1548
well-resolved1565
unabashed1571
determinate1587
undaunted1587
peremptory1589
confirmed1594
decretal1608
pight1608
intent1610
definitivea1616
unshrinkinga1616
naylessa1618
pitched1642
decisive1658
martyrly1659
certain1667
fell1667
decretory1674
martyrial1678
decretorian1679
invariable1696
unflinching1728
hell-bent1731
decided1767
determined1773
iron-headed1787
adamantine1788
unwincing1802
stick-at-nothing1805
adamant1816
hard-set1818
rock-like1833
bound1844
do-or-die1851
unbased1860
focused1888
capable de tout1899
purposive1903
go-for-broke1946
hard rock1947
take-no-shit1992
1481 W. Caxton tr. Myrrour of Worlde i. iv. 13 Prudent and constaunt for to doo weel and prouffyt.
1535 Bible (Coverdale) 1 Chron. xxix. B Yf he be constant to do after my commaundementes.
1602 J. Marston Hist. Antonio & Mellida ii. sig. D3 O no, thart too constant to afflict my heart.
2. Steadfast in attachment to a person or cause; faithful, true (to).
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > recognition of duty > faithfulness or trustworthiness > fidelity or loyalty > [adjective] > firm or constant
wholea1375
constantc1425
feal1568
handfast1578
blue?1636
firm1705
as true as flint1847
the mind > emotion > love > affection > [adjective] > steadfast or constant in affection
steadfastc1175
stablea1300
steera1300
constant1606
c1425 Wyntoun Cron. ix. xxvi. 63 He wes a constant Catholike, All Lollard he hatyt and Heretike.
1600 W. Shakespeare Much Ado about Nothing ii. iii. 64 Men were deceiuers euer..To one thing constant neuer. View more context for this quotation
1606 Wily Beguilde 64 And I as constant as Penelope.
c1665 L. Hutchinson Mem. Col. Hutchinson (1973) To Children 9 Faithfull and constant to his friends.
1709 A. Pope Chaucer's January & May in Poet. Misc.: 6th Pt. 179 Tho' Fortune change, his constant Spouse remains.
1887 J. R. Lowell Democracy & Other Addr. 93 Surely there are no friends so constant as the poets.
a. Firm in opinion, certain, confident.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > [adjective]
sickerc1100
bolda1300
surec1330
trist1340
certain1362
traista1400
tresta1400
ensurec1430
suredc1450
absolute1483
firm1483
resolute1501
assured1523
satisfied1533
unperplexed1558
unblanked1570
resolved1577
secure1578
clear1604
constant1611
ungravelled1611
confidenta1616
definitea1616
fearless1634
decretory1651
positive1658
unbrangled1671
cocksure1672
convinced1685
reliant1702
unbewildereda1807
positivistic1893
hensure1929
tooting1932
the mind > mental capacity > belief > uncertainty, doubt, hesitation > absence of doubt, confidence > assured fact, certainty > [adjective]
wislyc1000
sickera1225
firm1377
unfailingc1400
decided1439
suredc1450
sure1470
infirmat1487
delivered1499
fast and sure1528
undeceivablea1535
undoubteda1535
certainc1540
true (also good, sure) as touch1590
constant1611
positivea1616
square1632
formal1635
unapocryphal1644
inconditional1646
inconditionate1654
undeceitful1673
unshakeable1677
unproblematic1683
unprecarious1688
unerring1697
safe1788
hard1791
unproblematical1792
decisive1800
dead-on1889
hands down1900
1611 B. Jonson Catiline i. sig. B4v The Augures all are constant, I am meant. View more context for this quotation
1629 P. Massinger Roman Actor v. ii. sig. K3v Predictions, I grow constant they are false.
b. Of a statement, etc.: certain. It is constant = Latin constat.
ΚΠ
a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) iv. ii. 49 I am no more madde then you are, make the triall of it in any constant question. View more context for this quotation
1667 W. Temple Let. 27 May Wks. (1720) II. 35 It is constant, without any dispute, that if they had fallen on these provinces in the beginning of this month, Charleroy, etc...would have cost them neither time nor danger.
4. † b. Unvaried, not changed; invariably used.† e. constant age n. see consistent adj. 2b. Obsolete.
a. Of things: Remaining ever the same in condition, quality, state, or form; invariable, fixed, unchanging, uniform.Often used with a noun of quality, where constantly with the corresponding adjective might be used; e.g. constant fatality, the quality of being constantly, or in all cases, fatal.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > relationship > uniformity > [adjective]
oneOE
consimilec1400
suinga1425
even?c1425
agreeable1512
uniform1540
consemblable?1541
suant1547
constantc1550
just?1556
similar1563
similary1564
unvaried1570
uniformal1574
consimilar1577
homogeneana1601
homogeneal1603
homogene1607
invariable1607
of a piece1607
undistinguisheda1616
univocal1615
immutable1621
uniformable1632
solemn1639
homogeneous1646
consistent1651
pariformal1651
self-consistent1651
congeniousa1656
level1655
undiversificated1659
equal1663
of one make1674
invarieda1676
congenerous1683
undiversified1684
equable1693
solid1699
consisting1700
tranquil1794
unbranching1826
horizontal1842
sole1845
self-similar1847
homoeomeric1865
equiformal1883
monochrome1970
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > stability, fixity > [adjective]
truea1225
certain1297
standing1457
surec1475
stable1481
finite1493
resident1525
determinate1526
staid?1541
constantc1550
undiscomfitablea1555
inveterate1563
sound1565
unwanderinga1569
fixed1574
undisturbable1577
wishly1578
unremovable1579
inveterated1597
immoved1599
rigid1610
staple1621
consistent1648
irradicable1728
incoercible1756
hard and fast1822
unstrangulable1824
lockstep1831
statical1853
static1856
flatline1946
c1550 Complaynt Scotl. (1979) i. 17 Na thyng remanis lang constant in ane prosperus stait.
1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. lxxi. 197 The constant habit of well doing.
1628 O. Felltham Resolves: 2nd Cent. ix. sig. I3 Time keepes his constant pace.
1651 T. Hobbes Leviathan iii. xxxiv. 207 The foundation of all true Ratiocination, is the constant Signification of words.
a1677 J. Taylor Contempl. State Man (1684) i. ii. 17 Nothing here below is constant, but all mutable.
1710 G. Berkeley Treat. Princ. Human Knowl. §150 This is the constant language of Scripture.
1728 J. Veneer tr. Compan. Sincere Penitent Ded. Your constant way both of thinking and living.
1807 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 17 572 The constant fatality of small-pox at that age.
1833 C. Lyell Princ. Geol. III. 161 The sand is frequently yellow..but this colour is by no means constant.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. i. 1 This direction remained perfectly constant throughout the entire quarry.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > [adjective] > unchanged
unwharvedc1175
unchangeda1387
inreformed1548
unaltered1551
unalterate1568
uninfringed1610
unbettered1628
immute1639
unimproved1665
untransmuted1666
same1667
unmodified1668
invarieda1676
fixeda1699
constantc1710
immutate1788
underanged1817
unsuperseded1857
c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 216 This is ye Constant way all people goe, and saved severall miles ridings.
c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 239 The kings Constant bed Chamber.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 129. ¶1 Did they keep to one constant Dress they would sometimes be in the Fashion.
1830 I. D'Israeli Comm. Life Charles I III. vi. 92 The King had his constant hours for writing, and he read much.
c. Natural History. Having one unvarying form or type.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > biology > biological processes > genetic activity > heredity or hereditary descent > [adjective] > having one unvarying form
constant1793
monomorphous1839
monomorphic1864
stable1889
1793 Bot. Mag. 1 183 Who ever saw its leaves constant in their form?
1876 Darwin in Life & Lett. (1887) I. 90 Keeping specific forms constant.
d. Invariable in presence or occurrence.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > [adjective]
fasteOE
inunvariable1535
uniform1559
changeless1575
unvariant1582
wasteless1589
unchanging1595
inherent1601
unselfchanging1605
shiftless1606
ne'er-changinga1616
waxlessa1618
immutable1621
equal1626
irreducible1633
indiminishable1641
imprevaricable1644
Median1649
undiminishable1653
assiduous1661
unvarying1690
unfluctuating1723
unrelapsing1740
stable1742
unarbitrary1793
untransferable1794
unaltering1813
constant1817
all-or-nothing1853
all-or-none1864
reducelessc1864
unaugmentable1868
invariant1874
inadaptive1886
plateaued1899
steady state1909
hardcore1951
homoeostatic1955
monochromatic1959
1817 Ld. Loughborough in Douglass Rep. II. 727 A fine to be paid on the change of a tenant is almost a constant incident of a copyhold estate.
1839 G. Bird Elements Nat. Philos. 330 The line D [of the spectrum]..appears to be very constant in the planets, and in many..fixed stars.
1875 W. Houghton Sketches Brit. Insects 18 The evacuating ducts are constant.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > source or principle of life > age > prime > [noun]
flowering agec1400
pridec1475
blooming-time1495
flower?1507
season?1507
day1546
flourishing years?1555
golden years1559
vigour1563
consistent age1574
prime1574
May moon1576
acme1579
Maya1586
flourish1597
May month1600
consistencea1613
May morna1616
constant age1620
high daya1625
blouth1643
flourishing age1737
heyday1751
floruit1843
bloom-hour1850
blossom-time1860
1620 T. Venner Via Recta iv. 85 You shall commonly see them, euen in their firme and constant age, to haue turgid..bellies.
f. constant white adj. = permanent white n. at permanent adj. and n. Compounds.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > colour > named colours > white or whiteness > whitener > [noun] > white pigment or paint
white leadlOE
whitea1300
blank plumbc1325
cerusec1405
white earth1448
Spanish white1546
litharge1551
mineral white1651
flake-white1660
Vienna white1816
permanent white1822
zinc white1847
constant white1854
Krems1854
Cremnitz1874
silver-white1875
lithoponea1884
baryta white1885
Charlton white1885
titanium white1920
1854 F. W. Fairholt Dict. Terms Art 127 Constant white, permanent white, a pigment prepared from the sulphate of barytes, useful in water-colour painting, and possessing great body.
1886 H. C. Standage Artists' Man. Pigments i. 1 Baryta White (also known as Constant or Permanent White).
1951 R. Mayer Artist's Handbk. (new ed.) ii. 48 Constant white, blanc fixe.
5. Mathematics and Physiology. Remaining the same in quantity or amount under uniform conditions; retaining the same value throughout an investigation or process. Opposed to variable.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > [adjective] > specific types of quantity
variable1710
constant1753
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [adjective] > describing particular qualities > constant
standing1685
invariable1704
stable1728
constant1753
parametric1864
parametral1865
1753 Chambers's Cycl. Suppl. (at cited word) The semi-diameter of a circle is a constant quantity; for while the absciss and semi-ordinates increase, it remains the same.
1756 N. Saunderson Method of Fluxions 2 The Fluxion of a constant Quantity is nothing.
1803 J. Wood Princ. Mech. (ed. 3) i. 15 When a force..acts incessantly, it is called a constant force.
1830 C. Lyell Princ. Geol. I. 113 However constant we believe the relative proportion of sea and land to continue.
1871 B. Stewart Heat (ed. 2) 24 If we imagine the bore of the tube to preserve a constant volume for all temperatures.
6. † b. Of a thing: Always kept up; permanent.
a. Of actions, conditions, processes, etc.: Continuing without intermission or cessation, or only with such intermissions as do not interrupt continuity; continual, incessant, perpetual, persistent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > duration > [adjective] > long-lasting or enduring
longeOE
longsomeeOE
long of lifeOE
lastinga1225
cleaving1340
continualc1340
dwellingc1380
long-livinga1382
everlastingc1384
long-duringa1387
long-lasting?a1400
long-liveda1400
broadc1400
permanable?c1422
perseverant?a1425
permanentc1425
perdurable?a1439
continuedc1440
abiding1448
unremoved1455
eternalc1460
long-continued1464
continuing1526
long-enduring1527
enduring1532
immortal1538
diuturn?1541
veterated1547
resiant?1567
stayinga1568
well-wearinga1568
substantive1575
pertinacious1578
extant1581
ceaseless1590
marble1596
of length1597
longeval1598
diuturnal1599
nine-lived1600
chronic1601
unexhausted1602
chronical1604
endurable1607
continuant1610
indeflourishing1610
aged1611
indurant1611
continuatea1616
perennious1628
seculara1631
undiscontinueda1631
continuated1632
untransitory1632
long-spun1633
momently1641
stative1643
outliving1645
constant1653
long-descended1660
voluminousa1661
perduring1664
perdurant1671
livelong1673
perennial1676
longeve1678
consequential1681
unquenched1703
lifelong1746
momentary1755
inveterate1780
stabile1797
persistent1826
unpassing1831
all-time1846
year-long1846
teak-built1847
lengthful1855
long-term1867
long haul1873
sticky1879
week-to-week1879
perenduring1883
long-range1885
longish1889
long-time1902
long run1904
long-life1915
the world > action or operation > continuing > [adjective] > continuous or without stop or pause (of action)
ithanda1300
continualc1340
unstintingc1380
perpetuala1382
unfailinga1382
unceasing1382
everlastinga1398
restless?a1439
continuedc1440
running1492
incessant1532
uncessant1548
incessable1552
universal1561
never-ceasing1567
still1570
unpausing1585
ceaseless1590
uncessable1596
indesinent1601
uninterrupted1602
unceasable1604
Sabbathless1605
unceased1605
unintermissive1610
unstaying1616
constant1653
jugial1654
uninterrupted1657
stopless1660
uncheque1671
chronical1672
unarrested1733
well-sustained1743
uninterrupt1776
unsuspended1792
sustained1796
pauseless1820
unhalting1832
persistent1842
unresting1856
unbreaking1870
non-stop1915
the world > relative properties > order > order, sequence, or succession > continuity or uninterruptedness > [adjective]
continualc1340
jointc1400
directa1513
unbroken1561
successive1586
continuate1601
uninterrupted1602
unintermitted1611
continued1628
concrete1651
constant1653
uninterrupted1657
unintermitting1661
solid1662
continuous1751
uninterrupt1776
unbroke1793
unintermittent1850
unbreathing1893
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > [adjective] > lasting, continuous
endlessc888
perpetuala1382
unceasing1382
restless?c1425
biding1430
continual1462
remanent?a1475
incessant1532
uncessant1548
incessable1552
never-ceasing1567
still1570
ceaseless1590
indesinent1601
unceasable1604
unintermissive1610
constant1653
jugial1654
tarrying1654
insuccessive1678
perpetuative1785
1653 I. Walton Compl. Angler 163 By reason of..the Owners constant being neer to them. View more context for this quotation
1688 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1852) I. 239 Not able to bear ye Charge of Constant Attendance.
a1763 W. Shenstone Wks. Verse & Prose (1764) I. 66 By constant vigils worn.
1830 C. Lyell Princ. Geol. I. 117 In a state of constant and universal flux and reflux.
1869 E. A. Parkes Man. Pract. Hygiene (ed. 3) 12 The supply of water to houses may be..intermittent or constant.
1890 Sir N. Lindley in Law Times Rep. 63 690/1 Forms..in constant use in the Chancery Division.
1893 N.E.D. at Constant Mod. The constant ticking of a watch. Disturbed by their constant chatter. The constant repetition of this expression.
ΘΚΠ
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > lasting quality, permanence > [adjective]
stablea1300
durablec1386
during1398
durant1455
permanent?a1475
standingc1480
perseverablea1500
indelible1532
of long standinga1568
permansible1568
long-established1589
dureful1595
subsistent1603
subsisting1613
staple1621
constant1645
long-standing1655
throughout1701
untemporary1784
pukka1801
rock-ribbed1903
hardwired1971
1645 T. Fuller Good Thoughts in Bad Times i. xxv. 66 No Guest comes unawares to him, who keeps a Constant Table.
a1652 I. Jones Most Notable Antiq. called Stone-Heng (1655) 8 There were then no publick roads,..no constant habitations.
c1710 C. Fiennes Diary (1888) 1 A large Cross..and house over it for a Constant Market for fruite, etc.
1818 W. Cruise Digest Laws Eng. Real Prop. (ed. 2) III. 152 The appellation of curia regis was only applied to that constant and permanent court..held in the king's palace.
c. transferred. Of a person: Continually engaged in the action denoted by the noun (or by the context).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > continuing > [adjective] > continually engaged in some action
continual1462
constant1639
continuando1691
incessant1749
chronic1861
the mind > will > decision > perseverance or persistence > [adjective]
unwearyc893
unwearieda1240
perseverant1340
continuing1393
persevering?a1425
importunate1477
infatigable?1510
unfatigablec1550
persisting1552
unweariable1561
holdfast1567
indefatigable1586
patient1590
faintless1593
untired1597
untired1600
assidual1605
unrelenting1606
persistive1609
unwearyinga1614
hard1615
indefesse1621
constant1639
assiduous1660
dogged1700
unremitting1730
inexhaustible1762
unremitted1774
untiring1823
persistent1830
sleuth1864
tug-like1890
1639 T. Fuller Hist. Holy Warre v. xiii. 251 The Germane Emperour..was not constant amongst them.
1649 J. Milton Εικονοκλαστης i. 10 A constant reader of Saint Pauls Epistles.
1712 R. Steele Spectator No. 430. ⁋1 Each Beggar that is constant at a particular Place.
1872 E. Peacock Mabel Heron I. ix. 167 He was her constant adviser.
1876 J. H. Newman Hist. Sketches II. i. viii. 159 He was constant in devotional and penitential exercises.
d. constant attendance allowance, formerly, the official name for attendance allowance n. at attendance n. Compounds, originally payable to persons disabled as a result of injury at work.
ΘΚΠ
society > trade and finance > fees and taxes > grants and allowances > [noun] > state allowance > other state benefits
maternity benefit1911
universal basic income1935
constant attendance allowance1945
death grant1946
National Assistance1948
negative income tax1950
assistance1956
supplementary benefit1966
attendance allowance1969
income support1969
mobility allowance1974
UBI1993
1945 Hansard Commons 10 Oct. 278 An additional allowance of up to £1 a week may be paid if constant attendance is required. This will be paid even if the necessary care is given by the injured worker's wife... If a pensioner has to enter hospital..however..the constant attendance allowance will cease for that period.
1967 Hansard Commons 4 Dec. 941 (heading) Constant attendance allowance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > movement > absence of movement > [adjective] > stable
steady1530
stable1560
inconcussible1589
constant1596
firm1600
regular1632
trig1858
1596 J. Dalrymple tr. J. Leslie Hist. Scotl. (1888) I. 156 Ane oratione sa excellent and elegant, wt sa constante a countenance.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Tempest (1623) ii. ii. 113 'Prethee doe not turne me about, my stomacke is not constant . View more context for this quotation
1741 W. Oldys et al. Betterton's Hist. Eng. Stage v. 69 A constant and direct Foot, is the Index, of a steady, certain, constant..Study and Aim.
ΘΚΠ
the world > relative properties > order > agreement, harmony, or congruity > [adjective] > specific with or to something
accordable1386
convenientc1400
agreeablea1450
to be standing withc1487
consonanta1492
consowningc1503
correspondenta1533
quadrant1536
constant1574
suitablea1586
uniforma1586
congruous1599
responsible1600
consentaneous1621
sympathizinga1627
consistible1642
consistent1646
consentany1648
consonate1649
quadratea1657
consonous1660
consentient1661
of a piece with1665
symmetrious1667
unison1675
consisting1700
one with ——a1848
congruent1875
1574 J. Baret Aluearie C 1045 A death constant and agreable, to a life honestly and godlye led.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > density or solidity > state of being thick enough to retain form > [adjective]
bodied1612
consisting1626
consistent1647
stable1666
constanta1691
a1691 R. Boyle Hist. Firmness in Wks. (1772) I. 415 Mix them, you may turn these two fluid liquors into a consistent body.
B. n.figurative.1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits xiv. 241 A few generalizations..are in the world constants, like the Copernican and Newtonian theories in physics.1865 J. Martineau in Theolog. Rev. 670 What he regards as the constants of religion.
Mathematics and Physics. A quantity which does not vary, or which is assumed not to vary, throughout an investigation: opposed to variable.Often applied to a numerical quantity expressing the fixed relation between two elements, geometrical or physical, the effect of some constant force or motion, or combination of forces or motions, or the value of some particular physical property of a substance, that remains always the same for the same substance in the same conditions, but differs for different substances: thus circular constant, constant of aberration, constant of friction, constant of gravitation, constant of nutation, constant of precession, constants of colour, tidal constants, etc.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > [noun] > specific concepts or principles of > specific types of quantity
variable1816
constant1832
observable1930
the world > time > change > absence of change, changelessness > [noun] > something unchanging
leopard1382
the law of the Medes and Persiansc1384
constant1832
hardcore1916
invariance1939
invariant1939
facticity1964
the world > relative properties > number > mathematical number or quantity > [noun] > particular qualities > constant
constant1832
parameter1833
invariable1864
1832 W. Turnbull (title) Treatise on Strength, Flexure, and Stiffness of Cast-Iron Beams and Columns, with Tables of Constants.
1837 Penny Cycl. VII. 469 The proportion between the circumference and diameter of a circle is a determinate constant.
1869 T. L. Phipson tr. A. Guillemin Sun (1870) 27 A constant quantity of heat, which Pouillet has named the Solar constant, because it expresses the constant heating power of the Sun.
1879 O. N. Rood Mod. Chromatics xiv. 210 Its colour depends, then, on its luminosity, wave~length, and purity; these quantities..are called the constants of colour.
1886 Whitaker's Almanack, Tidal Constants The time of High Water at the undermentioned Ports and Places may be approximately found by taking the time of High Water at London Bridge, and adding to or subtracting therefrom the quantities annexed.
1890 C. A. Young Elem. Astron. §126 The velocity of light being 186,330 miles per second..while that of the earth in its orbit is 18·5 miles, we find that a star, situated on a line at right angles to the direction of the earth's motion, is apparently displaced by an angle which equals..20″·5..This is the so-called ‘Constant of Aberration’.
1890 C. A. Young Elem. Astron. §211 The Solar Constant is the number of heat units which a square unit of the earth's surface, unprotected by any atmosphere, and exposed perpendicularly to the sun's rays, would receive from the sun in a unit of time.
Compounds
In various combinations (used chiefly attributively with hyphen).
constant current n.
ΚΠ
1904 G. F. Goodchild & C. F. Tweney Technol. & Sci. Dict. 126/1 Constant current, a current whose amount or value is allowed to vary as little as possible.
1934 Discovery Nov. 324/2 D.C. to A.C. rotary converters,..constant current charging dynamos and an entirely portable petrol-driven alternator.
1962 J. H. Simpson & R. S. Richards Physical Princ. Junction Transistors vii. 156 The currents I′b1 and Ib2 may reach considerably higher values than those obtainable with constant-current drive.
constant frequency n.
ΚΠ
1935 Discovery Nov. 325/1 Some lengths of constant frequency film of known accuracy were obtained.
1940 Chambers's Techn. Dict. 191/2 Constant-frequency oscillator, an oscillator in which special precautions are taken to ensure that the frequency remains constant.
1956 Nature 10 Mar. 470/2 The accelerated electrons can stay in phase with the constant-frequency accelerating voltage.
constant mesh n.
ΚΠ
1924 A. W. Judge Mod. Motor Cars II. iii. 54 (heading) Constant mesh gears.
1967 Economist 8 July p. xxx/1 Better drivers still prefer the cruder ‘constant mesh’ gearboxes where each gear is engaged by a small clutch and which needs a surer touch. Constant mesh has a lighter action and more positive and direct ‘feel’ than the more complex synchromesh.
constant speed n.
ΚΠ
1937 Jrnl. Royal Aeronaut. Soc. 41 146 Charts for Calculating the Performance of Airplanes having Constant Speed Propellers.
1938 Encycl. Brit. Bk. of Year 79/2 The variable pitch and especially the constant-speed airscrew have become a necessity for reasonable take-offs.
constant velocity n.
ΚΠ
1935 Discovery Sept. 278/1 With constant velocity scanning, the successive signal strengths are proportioned to the corresponding light and shade areas of the image focused by the lens upon the mosaic.
1966 Times 18 Mar. 6/7 The constant velocity joints of an M.G. 1100 car he examined after it had been involved in a fatal accident were perfect.
constant voltage n.
ΚΠ
1904 G. F. Goodchild & C. F. Tweney Technol. & Sci. Dict. 126/1 Constant voltage, an electrical pressure or voltage kept at a uniform value.
1959 ‘Motor’ Man. (ed. 36) vi. 156 The so-called constant-voltage system..has been widely adopted during the past few years.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1893; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.n.c1386