magnitude
nounattested in dialogue
- //ˈmæɡnɪtjuːd//
- //ˈmæɡnɪt͡ʃuːd//
- //ˈmæɡnɪtuːd//
The absolute or relative size, extent or importance of something.
noun
- 1
The absolute or relative size, extent or importance of something.
And on a programme of works of this magnitude, passengers will need to be mindful of the age-old maxim of 'no gain without pain'.
- 2
An order of magnitude.
- 3
A number, assigned to something, such that it may be compared to others numerically
- 4
Of a vector, the norm, most commonly, the two-norm.
- 5
A logarithmic scale of brightness defined so that a difference of 5 magnitudes is a factor of 100. The apparent brightness of a star, with lower magnitudes being brighter; apparent magnitude
- 6
A logarithmic scale of brightness defined so that a difference of 5 magnitudes is a factor of 100. A ratio of intensity expressed as a logarithm.
Observations in the infrared domain allow one to penetrate the ~25-30 magnitudes of extinction present at visible wavelengths.
- 7
A measure of the energy released by an earthquake (e.g. on the Richter scale).
Etymology
From Latin magnitūdō (“greatness, size”), magnus + -tūdō.
Forms
- plural
- magnitudes
magnitude · The absolute or relative size, extent or importance of something.
magnum · A bottle containing 1.5 liters of fluid, double the volume of…Magnum · A bottle of Magnum Tonic Wine, a fermented mead drink popular…Magnus · A male given name from Latin of mostly Scottish and…