magnitude

noun mag·ni·tude \ˈmag-nə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

: the size, extent, or importance of something

: a number that shows the brightness of a star

: a number that shows the power of an earthquake

Full Definition of MAGNITUDE

a : great size or extent

b (1) : spatial quality : size (2) : quantity, number

: the importance, quality, or caliber of something

: a number representing the intrinsic or apparent brightness of a celestial body on a logarithmic scale in which an increase of one unit corresponds to a reduction in the brightness of light by a factor of 2.512

: a numerical quantitative measure expressed usually as a multiple of a standard unit

: the intensity of an earthquake represented by a number on an arbitrary scale <a magnitude six earthquake>

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Origin of MAGNITUDE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin magnitudo, from magnus

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to MAGNITUDE

Synonyms: account, consequence, import, importance, moment, momentousness, significance, weight, weightiness

Antonyms: insignificance, littleness, puniness, slightness, smallness, triviality

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

Rhymes with MAGNITUDE

altitude, amplitude, aptitude, attitude, certitude, comfort food, consuetude, crassitude, desuetude, finger food, finitude, fortitude, gratitude, habitude, hebetude, interlude, lassitude, latitude, longitude, mansuetude, multitude, negritude, platitude, plenitude, promptitude, pulchritude, quietude, rectitude, seminude, servitude, solitude, turpitude, vastitude

MAGNITUDE Defined for Kids

magnitude

noun mag·ni·tude \ˈmag-nə-ˌtüd, -ˌtyüd\

Definition of MAGNITUDE for Kids

: greatness of size or importance <“How can you term an undertaking of such magnitude mere peddling?” — Lloyd Alexander, Time Cat>

Medical Dictionary

magnitude

noun mag·ni·tude \ˈmag-nə-ˌt(y)üd\

Medical Definition of MAGNITUDE

: relative size or extent

Learn More About MAGNITUDE

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "magnitude"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "magnitude"

Nglish: Translation of "magnitude" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "magnitude" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "magnitude"

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