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modulus

This word is primarily used in technical, mathematical, and scientific contexts. You will rarely encounter it in casual daily conversation. Depending on the field (math vs. physics), the meaning changes significantly. In computer science or math, it usually refers to remainders; in engineering, it refers to material strength.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday night, Chloe is procrastinating in her dorm room while Fatima is already at the library.
Chloe Smith

i'm totally blanking on this. what exactly is the modulus in this problem?

Chloe Smith
Fatima
Fatima

it's literally right there. stop messing around and just look at the divisor.

💡
Chloe is using 'blanking on' (a phrasal verb meaning to suddenly forget) to express her confusion, while Fatima's response reflects her disciplined personality and slight annoyance with Chloe's lack of focus.

Meanings

noun

A constant factor by which a number is divided to find a remainder, typically used in modular arithmetic.

"In the expression '17 mod 5 = 2', the modulus is 5."

noun

The absolute value of a complex number or a vector; its magnitude.

"The modulus of the complex number 3 + 4i is 5."

noun

A measure of the stiffness of a material, such as Young's modulus, which defines the relationship between stress and strain.

"Steel has a significantly higher elastic modulus than aluminum."

Related Words

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error