positivistˈic adjective

positivˈity noun

positive action same as affirmative action (see under affirm).

positive angle noun

One generated by a straight line moving anticlockwise

positive discrimination see under discriminate

positive electricity noun

Electricity developed, eg in glass by rubbing with silk, arising from deficiency of electrons

positive feedback noun

Feedback in which the output of a system is used to increase the input

positive organ noun

A small supplementary church organ, orig portable and placed upon a stand

positive philosophy noun

1. The philosophical system originated by Auguste Comte (1798–1857), its foundation being the doctrine that man can have no knowledge of anything but phenomena, and that the knowledge of phenomena is relative, not absolute
2. Also 20c developments of this (logical positivism) much concerned with determining whether or not statements are meaningful

positive pole noun

(of a magnet) that end (or pole) which turns to the north when the magnet swings freely

positive rays plural noun

Canal-rays, a stream of positively electrified particles towards the cathode of a vacuum tube (positive-ray analysis the detection of gases, and determination of their molecular weights, by measuring the parabolas produced on a photographic plate by positive rays deflected in two directions at right angles to each other by a magnetic and an electric field)

positive reinforcement noun (behaviourism)

The following of a response by a positive event or stimulus, thus increasing the likelihood of the response being repeated

positive sign noun

The sign (read plus) of addition

positive vetting noun

A method of screening individuals to ensure their suitability for highly responsible positions