Syn. -- Fixed; steadfast; unchanging; permanent; unalterable; immutable; invariable; perpetual; continual; resolute; firm; unshaken; determined. -- Constant, Continual, Perpetual. These words are sometimes used in an absolute and sometimes in a qualified sense. Constant denotes, in its absolute sense, unchangeably fixed; as, a constant mind or purpose. In its qualified sense, it marks something as a "standing" fact or occurence; as, liable to constant interruptions; constantly called for. Continual, in its absolute sense, coincides with continuous. See Continuous. In its qualified sense, it describes a thing as occuring in steady and rapid succession; as, a round of continual calls; continually changing. Perpetual denotes, in its absolute sense, what literally never ceases or comes to an end; as, perpetual motion. In its qualified sense, it is used hyperbolically, and denotes that which rarely ceases; as, perpetual disturbance; perpetual noise; perpetual intermeddling.
Con"stant, n. 1. That which is not subject to change; that which is invariable.
2. (Math.) A quantity that does not change its value; -- used in countradistinction to variable.
Absolute constant (Math.), one whose value is absolutely the same under all circumstances, as the number 10, or any numeral. -- Arbitrary constant, an undetermined constant in a differential equation having the same value during all changes in the values of the variables.
Con*stan"ti*a (? or &?;), n. A superior wine, white and red, from Constantia, in Cape Colony.
Con"stant*ly (?), adv. With constancy; steadily; continually; perseveringly; without cessation; uniformly.
But she constantly affirmed that it was even so.
Acts. xii. 15.
||Con"stat (?), n. [L., it is evident.] (Law) A certificate showing what appears upon record touching a matter in question.
Con*state" (?), v. t. [F. constater; L. con- + stare to stand.] To ascertain; to verify; to establish; to prove. F. P. Cobbe.
Con"stel*late (? or &?;), v. i. [Pref. con- + L. stellatus, p. p. of stellare to cover with stars, stella star. See Stellate.] To join luster; to shine with united radiance, or one general light. [R.]
The several things which engage our affections . . . shine forth and constellate in God.
Boule.