gauss

[ gous ]

nounElectricity.
  1. the centimeter-gram-second unit of magnetic induction, equal to the magnetic induction of a magnetic field in which one abcoulomb of charge, moving with a component of velocity perpendicular to the field and equal to one centimeter per second, is acted on by a force of one dyne; 1 maxwell per square centimeter or 10−4 weber per square meter. Symbol: G

  2. (formerly) oersted (def. 1).

Origin of gauss

1
First recorded in 1880–85; named after K. F. Gauss

Other definitions for Gauss (2 of 2)

Gauss
[ gous ]

noun
  1. Karl Frie·drich [kahrl free-drikh], /kɑrl ˈfri drɪx/, 1777–1855, German mathematician and astronomer.

Other words from Gauss

  • Gauss·i·an, adjective

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British Dictionary definitions for gauss (1 of 2)

gauss

/ (ɡaʊs) /


nounplural gauss
  1. the cgs unit of magnetic flux density; the flux density that will induce an emf of 1 abvolt (10 –8 volt) per centimetre in a wire moving across the field at a velocity of 1 centimetre per second. 1 gauss is equivalent to 10 –4 tesla

Origin of gauss

1
after Karl Gauss

British Dictionary definitions for Gauss (2 of 2)

Gauss

/ (German ɡaus) /


noun
  1. Karl Friedrich (karl ˈfriːdrɪç). 1777–1855, German mathematician: developed the theory of numbers and applied mathematics to astronomy, electricity and magnetism, and geodesy

Derived forms of Gauss

  • Gaussian (ˈɡaʊsɪən), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for gauss (1 of 2)

gauss

[ gous ]


  1. The unit of magnetic flux density in the centimeter-gram-second system, equal to one maxwell per square centimeter, or 10-4 tesla.

Scientific definitions for Gauss (2 of 2)

Gauss

  1. German mathematician, astronomer and physicist who introduced significant and rapid advances to mathematics with his contributions to algebra, geometry, statistics and theoretical mathematics. He also correctly calculated the orbit of the asteroid Ceres in 1801 and studied electricity and magnetism, developing the magnetometer in 1832. The gauss unit of magnetic flux density is named for him.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.