állandót

Állandó is a Hungarian word with several related uses. As an adjective, állandó means permanent, constant, or unchanging. In scientific and mathematical prose it is also used as a noun to denote a constant value, such as a fixed quantity in an equation. In this noun sense the word can take its definite case forms.

The form állandót is not a separate lexical item; it is the accusative singular form of állandó when the word functions as a noun and appears as the definite direct object of a verb. For example, in a sentence like “A képletben az állandót jelöljük π-vel,” the phrase az állandót means “the constant,” referring to a specific constant value. Similarly, one might say “Meg kell határozni az állandót” meaning “The constant must be determined.” The use of -t marks the definite direct object in Hungarian grammar.

In mathematics and the sciences, állandó (and its noun form often used in the definite sense) denotes a fixed, unchanging value such as π or e in a formula. Hungarian occasionally also uses the borrowed term konstans for the same idea, especially in contexts where English-language notation or international terminology is common, but állandó remains widespread in native mathematical writing.

Etymologically, állandó derives from a root related to standing or remaining, with the -andó suffix forming a participial adjective, later also functioning as a noun in technical language. The word illustrates how Hungarian blends descriptive adjectives and nominal usage to name fixed quantities within formulas.