modulus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Academic
Quick answer
What does “modulus” mean?
A mathematical term referring to the absolute value or magnitude of a complex number, or the remainder after division.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mathematical term referring to the absolute value or magnitude of a complex number, or the remainder after division.
In physics and engineering, a constant or coefficient that expresses a property of a material (e.g., Young's modulus).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English. Both use the term in identical technical contexts.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definitions.
Frequency
Equally rare in general language in both varieties, used exclusively in technical fields.
Grammar
How to Use “modulus” in a Sentence
modulus of [a number/material][number] modulus [number][property] modulusVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “modulus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adverb
British English
- -
American English
- -
adjective
British English
- The modulus function is key to this proof.
- We need the modulus value.
American English
- The modulus operation returned a remainder.
- Check the modulus property of the material.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in mathematics, physics, and engineering papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by someone discussing specific technical topics.
Technical
The primary domain of use, especially in mathematics, materials science, and programming.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “modulus”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “modulus”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “modulus”
- Using 'modulus' in general conversation where 'amount', 'size', or 'remainder' would be clearer.
- Confusing 'modulus' with 'module'.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈmɒdjʊləs/ (like 'module') instead of /ˈmɒdʒələs/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
For a real number, yes, the modulus is its absolute value. For a complex number, the modulus is a generalisation of absolute value, representing its magnitude.
'Modulus' is a mathematical/scientific term for a value or coefficient. 'Module' is a separate unit or component of a larger system, common in computing and education.
It is pronounced /ˈmɒdʒələs/ in British English and /ˈmɑːdʒələs/ in American English, with a soft 'j' sound (like in 'judge'), not a hard 'd' sound.
No, 'modulus' is exclusively a noun. The related programming operation is 'mod' (verb form sometimes 'to mod').
A mathematical term referring to the absolute value or magnitude of a complex number, or the remainder after division.
Modulus is usually technical/academic in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “-”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MODULUS as the 'MODE' or 'measure' (MOD-) of something's size or the leftover (ULUS) after division.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MEASURE OF STRENGTH (for materials), A NET RESIDUE (for division).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'modulus' LEAST likely to be used?