Library / English Dictionary

UNKNOWN QUANTITY

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 I. (noun) 

Sense 1

Meaning:

A variable whose values are solutions of an equation

Synonyms:

unknown; unknown quantity

Classified under:

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents

Hypernyms ("unknown quantity" is a kind of...):

variable (a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A factor in a given situation whose bearing and importance is not apparent

Example:

I don't know what the new man will do; he's still an unknown quantity

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Hypernyms ("unknown quantity" is a kind of...):

factor (anything that contributes causally to a result)

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