Proportionals

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A mathematical term referring to quantities that maintain a constant ratio relative to each other
2. Describing corresponding elements that vary in such a way that their relationships remain consistent across different contexts
3. Referring to variables that are scaled or adjusted according to specific factors, ensuring similar relationships are upheld

Etymology: "Proportionals" is the plural of "proportional," and the noun sense, meaning quantities that stand in a ratio to one another, is the plural of the adjective used as a noun. The adjective itself comes from the Latin "proportionalis," built from "proportio," a compound of "pro" (in relation to) and "portio" (a share or portion), so the underlying idea is of parts measured against one another. A proportional thing is one whose share matches another's share. In the mathematical sense, the plural names a set of numbers whose ratios stay constant as they are scaled, the way the sides of similar triangles are proportional. The word therefore carries the older notion of a fitting share into a precise technical meaning, where "portion" has been replaced by exact measurement.

Synonyms: ratios, fractions