MANTISSA

mantissa, fixed-point part

(noun) the positive fractional part of the representation of a logarithm; in the expression log 643 = 2.808 the mantissa is .808

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

mantissa (plural mantissas or mantissae)

(obsolete) A minor addition to a text.

(mathematics) The part of a common logarithm after the decimal point, the fractional part of a logarithm.

(mathematics, computing) The significand; that part of a floating-point number or number in scientific notation that contains its significant digits.

Synonym: significand

Usage notes

The use of mantissa to refer to significant digits in a floating point number or scientific notation is discouraged by some in favor of significand, due to earlier distinct usage for the logarithm. It remains in widespread use in the US, however.

Anagrams

• Satanism, Satnamis, amastins, satanism, staminas

Source: Wiktionary


Man*tis*sa, n. Etym: [L., an addition, makeweight; of Tuscan origin.] (Math.)

Definition: The decimal part of a logarithm, as distinguished from the integral part, or characteristic.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

16 March 2025

SUSPENDED

(adjective) (of undissolved particles in a fluid) supported or kept from sinking or falling by buoyancy and without apparent attachment; “suspended matter such as silt or mud...”; “dust particles suspended in the air”; “droplets in suspension in a gas”


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Coffee Trivia

The word “coffee” entered the English language in 1582 via the Dutch “koffie,” borrowed from the Ottoman Turkish “kahve,” borrowed in turn from the Arabic “qahwah.” The Arabic word qahwah was traditionally held to refer to a type of wine.

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