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Glite Dictionary
📏 Common measure ⚖️ Comparable by scale
commensurability

commensurability

9.9
Two lengths or time intervals that can be measured by the same unit so their ratio is a simple fraction
  • noun
  • /kəˌmɛnʃəˈræbɪlɪti/
  • Specialized
translation icon : comensurabilidad
  • If two lengths lack commensurability, their ratio cannot be expressed as a simple fraction.

Examples

  • In mathematics, the commensurability of two lengths means their ratio can be expressed as a rational number.

  • In ancient Greek mathematics, the commensurability of two line segments was an important concept.

  • The commensurability of the time intervals allowed the scientists to compare their results easily.

  • The commensurability of the two measurements is crucial for accurate results.

  • In mathematics, commensurability allows us to compare different units.

  • The commensurability of these two measurements is essential for ensuring accurate calculations.

  • Researchers determined the commensurability of the data sets by finding a common unit of measure.

Synonyms

commensuration
vscommensurability
  • Specialized
9.9

Two amounts that you can measure with the same unit so both are whole numbers

has identical meaning but uses a different noun form

How Commensurable

commensurability
  • Specialized
9.9
incommensurability
  • Specialized
9.9

Surface Forms

commensurability singular
commensurabilities plural

Morphology

commensurability = commensurable (semi-transparent) = com + mensur + able + ity

The transition from 'commensurable' to 'commensurability' is transparent, but the root 'mensur' is less recognizable to learners.

Etymology

Commensurability comes from Latin parts com- 'together' and mensura 'measure', so it literally means 'measuring together'. In mathematics this means two lengths have a common measure and their ratio can be written as a simple fraction.