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???
09/28/09 13:06
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#169221 - Common abuse
Responding to: ???'s previous message
Per Westermark said:
Except that instantaneous means something different.

No, instantaneous correctly means, "at or for an instant" - so it is correct (and common) to speak of the "instantaneous" value of a varying signal as its value sampled at one point; ie, at one "instant".

However, it is rapidly coming - by common misuse - to mean "in an instant" or "very soon"

The word momentaneous is the word normally used when discussing these types of measurements.

Like Steve, I have never, ever heard this word before!

However, due to the sad demise of "instantaneous " in its proper meaning, I think it probably has a bright future...


List of 19 messages in thread
TopicAuthorDate
Power Factor Meter using 8052            01/01/70 00:00      
   The clue is in the names?            01/01/70 00:00      
   Phase            01/01/70 00:00      
      Is that true?            01/01/70 00:00      
      Extra device?            01/01/70 00:00      
         Extra device            01/01/70 00:00      
            Zero-crossing doesn't always work well            01/01/70 00:00      
         momentaneous ?!            01/01/70 00:00      
            You sure?            01/01/70 00:00      
               Definitions            01/01/70 00:00      
                  But instantly or instantaneously is actually something else.            01/01/70 00:00      
                     Common abuse            01/01/70 00:00      
                        Like            01/01/70 00:00      
                           Be fast            01/01/70 00:00      
                     OED            01/01/70 00:00      
                     Citation, please?            01/01/70 00:00      
                        Ah but            01/01/70 00:00      
                           I see what you mean, Steve            01/01/70 00:00      
               I wouldn't rely on the www for language and definitions            01/01/70 00:00      

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