constraint
//kənˈstɹeɪnt//
formalForms
- Plural
- constraints
Definitions
1.Something that constrains; a restriction.
- An engineer must recognize the difference between a constraint (to work within) and a problem (to be eliminated via resolution).
- Today’s electricity demand (65 EJ/a) is well covered by the range, but constraints may occur in the long run locally. Amongst large countries, Nigeria and India may need imports to meet electricity demand.
2.An irresistible force or compulsion.
- They confessed, but only under severe constraint.
3.The repression of one's feelings.
4.A condition that a solution to an optimization problem must satisfy.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4789
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
From Middle English constreynt, constreynte
From Old French constreinte, past participle of constreindre (“to constrain”)
From Latin cōnstringō (corresponding to the past participle cōnstrictus).