magnitude (ˈmæɡnɪˌtjuːd
)
Definitions
noun
- relative importance or significance ⇒
a problem of the first magnitude
- relative size or extent ⇒
the magnitude of the explosion
- mathematics a number assigned to a quantity, such as weight, and used as a basis of comparison for the measurement of similar quantities
apparent magnitude astronomy the apparent brightness of a celestial body expressed on a numerical scale on which bright stars have a low value. Values are measured by eye (visual magnitude) or more accurately by photometric or photographic methods, and range from –26.7 (the sun), through 1.5 (Sirius), down to about +30. Each integral value represents a brightness 2.512 times greater than the next highest integral value See also absolute magnitude , visual magnitudeearthquake magnitude geology a measure of the size of an earthquake based on the quantity of energy released: specified on the Richter scale See Richter scale
Alternative Forms
ˌmagniˈtudinous adjectiveWord Origin
C14: from Latin magnitūdō size, from magnus greatSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
importance,
consequence,
significance,
mark,
moment,
note,
weight,
proportion,
dimension,
greatness,
grandeur,
eminence,
Usage examples
At least he'd let her buy him something to eat (a sacrifice of some considerable magnitude on his part, apparently).
, BEHINDLINGS (2002)Then, at 2100 GMT on Wednesday, a second flare occurred of almost equal magnitude.
New Scientist (2003)To have a platform, a voice, a position or a place within the huge magnitude of the whole thing.
Globe and Mail (2003)She said: "We cannot afford to allow something of this magnitude to misfire.
Sun, News of the World (2001)Venus can reach a maximum magnitude of 4.7, nearly seven times brighter than the next most prominent planet, Jupiter.
, Stars and Planets (1993)