invariant

adjective

in·​vari·​ant (ˌ)in-ˈver-ē-ənt How to pronounce invariant (audio)
: constant, unchanging
specifically : unchanged by specified mathematical or physical operations or transformations
invariant factor
invariant noun

Examples of invariant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Finally, some of the genes which explain differences between populations are invariant within a population. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2011 But, as physicist Carlo Rovelli, author of The Order of Timepoints out, the elementary laws of nature, which include classical mechanics, electrodynamics, quantum theory, general relativity, and the standard model, are all invariant under the reversal of time. Conor Feehly, Discover Magazine, 3 Nov. 2021 One of our summer interns, Hsiao-Yu Fish Tung, is actually working on making the vision model fully invariant to camera placement using the same basic technique of randomizing the camera pose and orientation over a wide range. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Mar. 2023 Both theories were scale invariant, meaning the physics of the systems the theories described didn't change as the systems got larger or smaller. Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2023 The whole quantum formalism of a single bit, is invariant under 3 dimensional rotations. Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 16 Nov. 2011 Those proofs are invariant across individuals and subcultures. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 25 Apr. 2013 For example, has the advantage to height been invariant at all times and places? Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 19 Oct. 2011 In 2006 Watanabe successfully reformulated Kontsevich’s invariant to apply to Smale’s conjecture. Quanta Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'invariant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of invariant was in 1874

Dictionary Entries Near invariant

Cite this Entry

“Invariant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/invariant. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

invariant

adjective
in·​vari·​ant (ˈ)in-ˈver-ē-ənt How to pronounce invariant (audio)
-ˈvar-
: not changing or altering
invariant noun

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