The Collaborative International Dictionary
Covariant \Co*va"ri*ant\ (k?-v?"r?-ant), n. (Higher Alg.) A function involving the coefficients and the variables of a quantic, and such that when the quantic is lineally transformed the same function of the new variables and coefficients shall be equal to the old function multiplied by a factor. An invariant is a like function involving only the coefficients of the quantic.
Wiktionary
a. 1 (context category theory English) (Of a functor) which preserves composition 2 (context computing programming English) Using or relating to covariance. n. 1 (cx algebra English) A bihomogeneous polynomial in ''x'', ''y'', ... and the coefficients of some homogeneous form in ''x'', ''y'', ... that is invariant under some group of linear transformations. 2 (cx algebra English) The variety defined by a covariant.
Usage examples of "covariant".
But the appearance of this value in the laws of electromagnetism meant that the laws were not covariant under Galilean transforms between inertial frames.
And yet an incompatibility existed in that they were not covariant under the classical transforms of space and time coordinates between inertial frames.
Or putting it another way, the equations expressing all physical laws should be covariant between inertial frames.
Laws of Motion are covariant with respect to transforms between two reference frames moving relative to one another uniformly in a straight line.
Laws derived from mechanics, such as the conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum, were found to be covariant with respect to Galilean transforms and afforded the mechanistic foundations of classical science.
He had a guiding principle: nature seemed to like equations stated in covariant differential forms.
He says (and with more than a touch of the gibber in his voice) it deflowers, rapes, & pillages, breaks & enters Minkowski's Covariant Tensor.
Thus, Newton's Laws of Motion are covariant with respect to transforms between two reference frames moving relative to one another uniformly in a straight line.
Laws derived from mechanics, such as the conservation of energy, momentum, and angular momentum, were found to be covariant with respect to Galilean transforms and afforded the mechanistic foundations of classical science.
And yet an incompatibility existed in that they were not covariant under the classical transforms of space and time coordinates between inertial frames.