known quantity

known quantity
1. Math. a quantity whose value is given: in algebra, frequently represented by a letter from the first part of the alphabet, as a, b, or c.
2. any factor, circumstance, etc., that is already accepted or familiar: Her honesty is a known quantity.
[1975-80]

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known quantity,
1. a quantity, especially an algebraic quantity of a given or fixed value in an equation or analysis. It is often designated by one of the first letters of the alphabet, such as a, b, or c.
2. Figurative: »

Have people become so accustomed to the series idea from television viewing that they go to another Dirty Harry movie because it's a known quantity? (New Yorker).

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known quantity — see ↑quantity
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Main Entry: ↑known
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known quantity
: someone or something whose abilities or characteristics are well known

When she was cast in the role of the princess, she was already a known quantity from her work in several films.

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Main Entry: ↑quantity

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • known quantity — n. an algebraic quantity whose value is given: usually represented by an early letter of the alphabet, as a, b, or c …   English World dictionary

  • known quantity — 1. Math. a quantity whose value is given: in algebra, frequently represented by a letter from the first part of the alphabet, as a, b, or c. 2. any factor, circumstance, etc., that is already accepted or familiar: Her honesty is a known quantity …   Universalium

  • known quantity — /noʊn ˈkwɒntəti/ (say nohn kwontuhtee) noun a quantity whose value is given, in algebra, etc., frequently represented by a letter from the first part of the alphabet, as a, b, or c …  

  • quantity — Number of units or lots of a futures contract. Sometimes also called size. Chicago Mercantile Exchange Glossary * * * quantity quan‧ti‧ty [ˈkwɒntti ǁ ˈkwɑːn ] noun quantities PLURALFORM 1. [countable] an amount of something that can be counted… …   Financial and business terms

  • known — /nohn/, v. 1. pp. of know1. n. 2. a known quantity. * * * …   Universalium

  • known — [[t]noʊn[/t]] v. 1) pp. of know 2) a known quantity …   From formal English to slang

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  • Quantity of estate — Quantity Quan ti*ty, n.; pl. {Quantities}. [F. quantite, L. quantitas, fr. quantus bow great, how much, akin to quam bow, E. how, who. See {Who}.] [1913 Webster] 1. The attribute of being so much, and not more or less; the property of being… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Quantity of matter — Quantity Quan ti*ty, n.; pl. {Quantities}. [F. quantite, L. quantitas, fr. quantus bow great, how much, akin to quam bow, E. how, who. See {Who}.] [1913 Webster] 1. The attribute of being so much, and not more or less; the property of being… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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