constant

¹

[ kon-stuhnt ]

adjective

1. not changing or varying; uniform; regular; invariable:

   All conditions during the three experiments were constant.

   Synonyms: permanent, immutable

   Antonyms: changeable

2. continuing without pause or letup; unceasing:

   constant noise.

   Synonyms: unremitting, perpetual

   Antonyms: fitful

3. regularly recurrent; continual; persistent:

   He found it impossible to work with constant interruption.

   Synonyms: ceaseless, incessant

   Antonyms: sporadic

4. faithful; unswerving in love, devotion, etc.:

   a constant lover.

   Synonyms: true, staunch, loyal

   Antonyms: unreliable

5. steadfast; firm in mind or purpose; resolute.

   Synonyms: steady

6. Obsolete. certain; confident.

noun

1. something that does not or cannot change or vary.
2. Physics. a number expressing a property, quantity, or relation that remains unchanged under specified conditions.
3. Mathematics. a quantity assumed to be unchanged throughout a given discussion.

Constant

²

[ kawn-stahn ]

noun

1. Paul Hen·ri Ben·ja·min Bal·luat [pawl ah, n, -, ree, ba, n, -zh, a, -, man, b, a, -, lwa]. Paul d'Estournelles de Constant.
2. Jean Jo·seph Ben·ja·min [zhah, n, zhaw-, zef, ba, n, -zh, a, -, man], 1845–1902, French painter.

Constant

¹

/ kɔ̃stɑ̃ /

noun

1. ConstantBenjamin17671830MFrenchWRITING: writerPOLITICS: politician Benjamin (bɛ̃ʒamɛ̃). real name Henri Benjamin Constant de Rebecque. 1767–1830, French writer and politician: author of the psychological novel Adolphe (1816)

constant

²

/ ˈkɒnstənt /

adjective

1. fixed and invariable; unchanging
2. continual or continuous; incessant

   constant interruptions

3. resolute in mind, purpose, or affection; loyal

noun

1. something that is permanent or unchanging
2. a specific quantity that is always invariable

   the velocity of light is a constant

3. 1. maths a symbol representing an unspecified number that remains invariable throughout a particular series of operations
   2. physics a theoretical or experimental quantity or property that is considered invariable throughout a particular series of calculations or experiments
4. See logical constant

constant

/ kŏn′stənt /

1. A quantity that is unknown but assumed to have a fixed value in a specified mathematical context.
2. A theoretical or experimental quantity, condition, or factor that does not vary in specified circumstances. Avogadro's number and Planck's constant are examples of constants.

constant

1. A number that appears in equations and formulas and does not vary or change. Examples are Planck's constant and the speed of light .

Derived Forms

• ˈconstantly, adverb

Other Words From

• con·stant·ly adverb
• non·con·stant noun adjective
• o·ver·con·stant adjective
• o·ver·con·stant·ness noun
• qua·si-con·stant adjective
• un·con·stant adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of constant¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin constant- (stem of constāns, present participle of constāre “to stand firm”), equivalent to con- con- + stā- stand + -nt- present participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of constant¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin constāns standing firm, from constāre to be steadfast, from stāre to stand

Synonym Study

See faithful.

Example Sentences

It’s easy to forget the joys of gravity while going to sleep or using the toilet on Earth, but the constant force that keeps us on the ground also helps us maintain bone structure and keep bodily fluids flowing where we want them.

From Salon

Living in microgravity causes bodily fluids to become more evenly distributed, with up to two extra liters of blood becoming unnaturally congested in the upper body, triggering constant feelings of puffiness and congestion, especially in the head and face.

From Salon

Without the constant pressure of gravity on the skeletal system, calcium from bones leaches into the body, which besides weakening the bones themselves can lead astronauts to be at higher risk of developing kidney stones.

From Salon

When comparing land and ocean, Sippel noticed a systematic deviation: at the beginning of the 20th century, ocean temperatures were lower than in previous decades, while over land air temperatures remained relatively constant.

From Science Daily

“Since March there’s been a fairly constant flow.”

From BBC

Related Words

• ceaseless
• chronic
• continual
• continuous
• endless
• eternal
• incessant
• nonstop
• perpetual
• persistent
• relentless
• sustained
• unending
• uninterrupted
• unrelenting
• unremitting