QUANTITY

measure, quantity, amount

(noun) how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify

quantity

(noun) an adequate or large amount; “he had a quantity of ammunition”

quantity

(noun) the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

quantity (countable and uncountable, plural quantities)

A fundamental, generic term used when referring to the measurement (count, amount) of a scalar, vector, number of items or to some other way of denominating the value of a collection or group of items.

An indefinite amount of something.

A specific measured amount.

A considerable measure or amount.

(metrology) Property of a phenomenon, body, or substance, where the property has a magnitude that can be expressed as number and a reference.

(mathematics) Indicates that the entire preceding expression is henceforth considered a single object.

SERGE LANG. That's right, \((ra)^3\).

Usage notes

• In mathematics, used to unambiguously orate mathematical equations; it is extremely rare in print, since there is no need for it there.

Synonyms

• Qty

Source: Wiktionary


Quan"ti*ty, n.; pl. Quantities. Etym: [F. quantite, L. quantitas, fr. quantus bow great, how much, akin to quam bow, E. how, who. See Who.]

1. The attribute of being so much, and not more or less; the property of being measurable, or capable of increase and decrease, multiplication and division; greatness; and more concretely, that which answers the question "How much"; measure in regard to bulk or amount; determinate or comparative dimensions; measure; amount; bulk; extent; size. Hence, in specific uses: (a) (Logic) The extent or extension of a general conception, that is, the number of species or individuals to which it may be applied; also, its content or comprehension, that is, the number of its constituent qualities, attributes, or relations. (b) (Gram.) The measure of a syllable; that which determines the time in which it is pronounced; as, the long or short quantity of a vowel or syllable. (c) (Mus.) The relative duration of a tone.

2. That which can be increased, diminished, or measured; especially (Math.), anything to which mathematical processes are applicable.

Note: Quantity is discrete when it is applied to separate objects, as in number; continuous, when the parts are connected, either in succession, as in time, motion, etc., or in extension, as by the dimensions of space, viz., length, breadth, and thickness.

3. A determinate or estimated amount; a sum or bulk; a certain portion or part; sometimes, a considerable amount; a large portion, bulk, or sum; as, a medicine taken in quantities, that is, in large quantities. The quantity of extensive and curious information which he had picked up during many months of desultory, but not unprofitable, study. Macaulay. Quantity of estate (Law), its time of continuance, or degree of interest, as in fee, for life, or for years. Wharton (Law Dict. ) -- Quantity of matter, in a body, its mass, as determined by its weight, or by its momentum under a given velocity.

– Quantity of motion (Mech.), in a body, the relative amount of its motion, as measured by its momentum, varying as the product of mass and velocity.

– Known quantities (Math.), quantities whose values are given.

– Unknown quantities (Math.), quantities whose values are sought.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

12 November 2024

PLANTAIN

(noun) any of numerous plants of the genus Plantago; mostly small roadside or dooryard weeds with elliptic leaves and small spikes of very small flowers; seeds of some used medicinally


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Coffee Trivia

You can overdose on coffee if you drink about 30 cups in a brief period to get close to a lethal dosage of caffeine.

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