dictionary definitions for "impossible quantity"


From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Impossible \Im*pos"si*ble\, a. [F., fr. L. impossibilis; pref.
     im- not + possibilis possible. See Possible.]
     Not possible; incapable of being done, of existing, etc.;
     unattainable in the nature of things, or by means at command;
     insuperably difficult under the circumstances; absurd or
     impracticable; not feasible.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           With men this is impossible; but with God all things
           are possible.                            --Matt. xix.
                                                    26.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           Without faith it is impossible to please him. --Heb.
                                                    xi. 6.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Impossible quantity (Math.), an imaginary quantity. See
        Imaginary.
  
     Syn: See Impracticable.
          [1913 Webster]


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