gauss: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2technical, scientific, academic
Quick answer
What does “gauss” mean?
A unit of magnetic flux density in the centimeter-gram-second system, equivalent to one maxwell per square centimeter.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of magnetic flux density in the centimeter-gram-second system, equivalent to one maxwell per square centimeter.
In broader contexts, used to refer to the measurement of magnetic fields. The term is also strongly associated with Carl Friedrich Gauss, a German mathematician, after whom the unit is named, leading to uses in his honour (e.g., Gaussian distribution).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the same scientific terminology. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Purely scientific and technical in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both British and American English, confined to technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “gauss” in a Sentence
[Number] + gaussa magnetic field of [Number] gaussmeasure/calculate in gaussVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gauss” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The Gaussian distribution is fundamental to statistics.
- They applied a Gaussian filter to the image data.
American English
- A Gaussian beam profile is ideal for the laser.
- The analysis assumed Gaussian noise.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used except in highly specialised businesses dealing with magnets or scientific instrumentation.
Academic
Used in physics, engineering, geophysics, and materials science papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare. An everyday speaker would likely encounter it only in a specific documentary or advanced educational context.
Technical
The primary domain. Used to specify the strength of a magnetic field (e.g., in MRI, particle accelerators, geomagnetism).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gauss”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gauss”
- Using 'gauss' as a verb (e.g., 'to gauss the field').
- Adding '-es' for the plural ('gausses').
- Confusing it with 'gauze' (a thin fabric).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised scientific term used almost exclusively in physics and engineering contexts.
It is pronounced like 'gouse' (/ɡaʊs/), rhyming with 'house'.
Both are units of magnetic flux density. One tesla equals 10,000 gauss. The tesla is the SI unit, while the gauss is a CGS unit.
Yes, but the adjectival form is typically 'Gaussian' (capitalised when referring directly to Carl Friedrich Gauss, as in 'Gaussian elimination'), referring to concepts associated with him, most commonly the normal distribution in statistics.
A unit of magnetic flux density in the centimeter-gram-second system, equivalent to one maxwell per square centimeter.
Gauss is usually technical, scientific, academic in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **Gauss**-ian curve: the scientist Gauss gave his name to the 'gauss' unit for magnetism and the 'Gaussian' distribution in statistics.
Conceptual Metaphor
MAGNETIC STRENGTH IS MEASUREMENT (literal technical measurement, not a common metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'gauss' a unit of?