Distance
- Date: 14th century
Definitions
- 1 obsolete : discord
- 2 a : separation in time
- b : the degree or amount of separation between two points, lines, surfaces, or objects
- c (1) : an extent of area or an advance along a route measured linearly (2) : an extent of space measured other than linearly <within walking distance> d : an extent of advance from a beginning
- e : expanse
- f (1) : length of a race or contest <won at all distances> (2) : the full length (as of a prizefight or ball game) (3) : a long race <distance training>
- b : personal and especially emotional separation; also : reserve, coldness
- c : difference, disparity
- 4 : a distant point or region
- 5 a : aesthetic distance
— go the distance also last the distance : to complete a course of action
Description
Distance is a numerical description of how far apart objects are. In physics or everyday discussion, distance may refer to a physical length, or an estimation based on other criteria (e.g. "two counties over"). In mathematics, a distance function or metric is a generalization of the concept of physical distance. A metric is a function that behaves according to a specific set of rules, and provides a concrete way of describing what it means for elements of some space to be "close to" or "far away from" each other.
Distance cannot be negative. Distance is a scalar quantity, containing only a magnitude, whereas a displacement vector is a vector quantity characterized by both magnitude and direction.
