Mathematics. The part of a logarithm before the decimal point. Cf mantissa, n. 2a.

Mathematics. The integral part, or characteristic, of a logarithm. Obsolete.

Mathematics. Algebra. A symbol denoting the number of times a particular quantity is to be taken as a factor to produce the power indicated; an index.

Mathematics. A number by which logarithms in one base must be multiplied in order to obtain the corresponding logarithms in another base.

Mathematics. The whole number whose powers (squares, cubes, etc.) form the basis of a system of logarithms or numeration.

Mathematics. The part of a logarithm after the decimal point. Cf. characteristic, n. 2a.

Mathematics. In form M. = modulus, n. 2a.