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线性 (xiàn xìng) — linearity (the quality of being linear); linear (used attributively, e.g., 线性系统)

Definition

Math/tech term for 'linear' — used as an adjective meaning 'arranged in a straight line' (equations, relationships, algebra), or as a noun for the quality of being linear.

noun
linearity (the quality of being linear)linear (used attributively, e.g., 线性系统)

Examples

  • 线性。
    Zhè shì yí gè xiàn xìng fāng chéng.
    This is a linear equation.
  • 〜。
    〜 Guān xì kě yǐ yòng gōng shì biǎo shì.
    A linear relationship can be expressed by a formula.
  • 线性。
    Wǒ men xué xí le xiàn xìng dài shù de jī běn gài niàn.
    We learned the basic concepts of linear algebra.

Origin

Derived word
构词法gòucífǎ
后缀hòuzhuìSuffix

A fixed syllable at the end that turns the word into a noun, a person, a place or the like.

线xiànline
性xìngquality

线 refers to a line, and 性 gives the sense of having that line-like quality.

Characters in this word

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

This origin belongs to the traditional form 線; 线 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
糹Written in full as糸mì
Sound part声符shēngfú
泉
泉quán線xiàn
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 線 uses 糹 (silk/thread) to show the meaning and 泉 to suggest the sound; the simplified 线 is a later shorthand.

Open 线 →

Most characters — around four in five — are built this way: one part hints at the meaning, the other at the pronunciation.

Meaning part形符xíngfú
忄Written in full as心xīnheart
Sound part声符shēngfú
生
生shēng性xìng
The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

性 is built from 忄 (the heart) and 生 (a sound clue). The heart part connects the word to a person's inner nature or quality.

Open 性 →
Appears in
Abstract ConceptsMath

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