常数 (cháng shù) — (mathematics) constant

Definition

noun

(mathematics) constant

常数。
Zhè ge cháng shù zài gōng shì zhōng hěn zhòng yào.
This constant is very important in the formula.
常数。
Kē xué jiā men jì suàn chū le zhè ge cháng shù de zhí.
The scientists calculated the value of this constant.
，常数。
Zài wù lǐ shí yàn zhōng, cháng shù bǎo chí bú biàn.
In physics experiments, the constant remains unchanged.

Compound word

构词法gòucífǎ

偏正piānzhèngModifier + head

The first part narrows down the second: it says what kind of thing the head is.

Constant and number combine to name a fixed mathematical value.

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.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

巾巾jīncloth

Sound part声符shēngfú

尚

Close in sound todayThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

常 pairs 巾, a cloth, with 尚 as a sound part; the form originally referred to a lower garment.

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 數; 数 is its simplified writing.

Meaning part形符xíngfú

攴攴pū

Sound part声符shēngfú

婁

婁lóu數shù(r)

The sound has drifted apartThe sound part was a clue two thousand years ago — it often still helps, but not always.

The traditional form 數 pairs 攴, the meaning part, with 婁, the sound part; the simplified 数 is a shorthand.