Pro*por"tion*al , n.
1. (Math.) Any number or
quantity in a proportion; as, a mean proportional.
2. (Chem.) The
combining weight or equivalent of an element. [Obs.]
Pro*por"tion*al (?), a.
[L. proportionalis: cf. F.
proportionnel.]
1. Having a due
proportion, or comparative relation;
being in suitable proportion or degree; as,
the parts of an edifice are proportional. Milton.
2. Relating to, or securing, proportion.
Hutton.
3. (Math.) Constituting a proportion; having the same, or a constant, ratio; as, proportional quantities; momentum is proportional to quantity of matter.
Proportional logarithms, logistic logarithms. See under Logistic.
-- Proportional scale, a scale on which are marked parts proportional to the logarithms of the natural numbers; a logarithmic scale. --
Proportional scales, compasses, dividers, etc. (Draughting),
instruments used in making
copies of drawings, or drawings of objects, on an
enlarged or reduced scale.
Hear it pronounced