Mathematics and Physics Glossary

Lacerta, n. (Astron.) The Lizard, a northern constellation.

Latent heat (Phys.), that quantity of heat which disappears or becomes concealed in a body while producing some change in it other than rise of temperature, as fusion, evaporation, or expansion, the quantity being constant for each particular body and for each species of change.

Lateral equation (Math.), an equation of the first degree. [Obs.]

Lateral pressure or stress (Phys.), a pressure or stress at right angles to the length, as of a beam or bridge; distinguished from longitudinal pressure or stress.

Lateral strength (Phys.), strength which resists a tendency to fracture arising from lateral pressure.

Latin square of size n by n, n. (Arith.) one in which n different objects are each repeated n times and arranged in a square array so that none of them is repeated in any row or column.

Latitude, n.

1. (Geog.) Distance north or south of the equator, measured on a meridian.

2. (Astron.) The angular distance of a heavenly body north or south from the ecliptic.