constant

Staying the same over time.

• Keep the temperature constant.
• The car moved at a constant speed.
• Prices remained constant throughout the year.

Similar words: steady, unchanging, fixed

Opposites: variable, changing

Common phrases: constant speed, constant temperature, remain constant, constant value

A number or value that stays the same in a calculation or computer program.

• Five is a constant in this equation.
• The formula contains two constants and one variable.
• The program uses a constant for the maximum file size.

Similar words: fixed value

Opposites: variable

Common phrases: mathematical constant, constant value, a positive constant

A measured number describing a scientific property that stays the same under particular conditions.

• The experiment gave us a new constant.
• This constant applies only at a fixed temperature.
• Scientists measured the physical constant with greater accuracy.

Common phrases: physical constant, gas constant, universal constant