modulus
noun
mod·u·lus
ˈmä-jə-ləs 
plural moduli
ˈmä-jə-ˌlī
-ˌlē
1
a
: the factor by which a logarithm of a number to one base is multiplied to obtain the logarithm of the number to a new base
c(1)
: the number (such as a positive integer) or other mathematical entity (such as a polynomial) in a congruence that divides the difference of the two congruent members without leaving a remainder compare residue sense b
(2)
: the number of different numbers used in a system of modular arithmetic
2
: a constant or coefficient that expresses usually numerically the degree to which a body or substance possesses a particular property (such as elasticity)
Examples of modulus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Introducing cuts should significantly reduce Young’s modulus, a measure of how robust the material is under stress.
—
Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2024
What's more, when the alloys were strength-tested, the 3% Ga version exhibited a Young's modulus that was 37% less than that of Ti-6Al-4V, while the 5% Ga version was 44% less.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2024
Essentially, modulus is a measurement of the stiffness of the carbon fibers that make up the rod’s blank.
—Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 28 Mar. 2024
If the researchers’ rejuvenated samples were any indication, then prolonged radiation exposure increased the Young’s modulus of the glass by as much as 70 percent.
—Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023
As for the problem of observables, Doughnutland gives us a set of objectively measurable quantities—namely, the moduli.
—Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015
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Ars Technica, 27 Dec. 2024
What's more, when the alloys were strength-tested, the 3% Ga version exhibited a Young's modulus that was 37% less than that of Ti-6Al-4V, while the 5% Ga version was 44% less.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2024
Essentially, modulus is a measurement of the stiffness of the carbon fibers that make up the rod’s blank.
—Max Inchausti, Field & Stream, 28 Mar. 2024
If the researchers’ rejuvenated samples were any indication, then prolonged radiation exposure increased the Young’s modulus of the glass by as much as 70 percent.
—Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 9 Nov. 2023
As for the problem of observables, Doughnutland gives us a set of objectively measurable quantities—namely, the moduli.
—Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015
Cite this Entry
“Modulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/modulus. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
modulus
noun
mod·u·lus
ˈmäj-ə-ləs
plural moduli
-ˌlī
-ˌlē
: a fixed whole number by which all the numbers in a system of modular arithmetic are divided
using the modulus 5, the product of 3 times 4 equals 2 because 12 divided by 5 has remainder 2
Medical Definition
modulus
noun
mod·u·lus
ˈmäj-ə-ləs
: a constant or coefficient that expresses usually numerically the degree to which a substance or body possesses a property (as elasticity)
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