invariant

[ in-vair-ee-uhnt ]

adjective

1. unvarying; invariable; constant.
2. Mathematics. normal ( def 5e ).

noun

1. Mathematics. a quantity or expression that is constant throughout a certain range of conditions.

invariant

/ ɪnˈvɛərɪənt /

noun

1. maths an entity, quantity, etc, that is unaltered by a particular transformation of coordinates

   a point in space, rather than its coordinates, is an invariant

adjective

1. maths (of a relationship or a property of a function, configuration, or equation) unaltered by a particular transformation of coordinates
2. See invariable
   a rare word for invariable

Derived Forms

• inˈvariance, noun

Other Words From

• in·vari·ant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of invariant¹

First recorded in 1850–55; in- ³ + variant

Example Sentences

Dehn showed that it’s possible to use the angles of any polyhedral shape — like a tetrahedron or a cube — to calculate a single quantity, now called the Dehn invariant.

From Quanta Magazine

Now the possibility of translation implies the existence of an invariant.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, to decipher a cryptogram is to seek what in this document remains invariant, when the letters are permuted.

From Project Gutenberg

What now is the nature of this invariant it is easy to understand, and a word will suffice us.

From Project Gutenberg

Among words that have had the most fortunate influence I would select 'group' and 'invariant.'

From Project Gutenberg

Invariant virtue appears to be as mechanical as uninterrupted vice, for true excellence changes with conditions.

From Project Gutenberg