| absolute value [`ab·sǝ´lüt `val·yü] MATHEMATICS 1. For a real number, the number if it is nonnegative, and the negative of the number if it is negative. Also known as numerical value. 2. For a complex number, the square root of the sum of the squares of its real and imaginary parts. Also known as modulus. 3. The length of a vector, disregarding its direction; the square root of the sum of the squares of its orthogonal components. |