SUITABLY SMALL
\sˈuːtəblɪ smˈɔːl], \sˈuːtəblɪ smˈɔːl], \s_ˈuː_t_ə_b_l_ɪ s_m_ˈɔː_l]\
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(From mathematical jargon) An expressionused ironically to characterise unquantifiable behaviour thatdiffers from expected or required behaviour. For example,suppose a newly created program came up with a correctfull-screen display, and one publicly exclaimed: "It works!"Then, if the program dumped core on the first mouse click,one might add: "Well, for suitably small values of `works'."Compare the characterisation of pi under for values of.
By Denis Howe
Word of the day
Platidiam
- An inorganic water-soluble platinum complex. After undergoing hydrolysis, it reacts DNA produce both intra interstrand crosslinks. These crosslinks appear to impair replication and transcription of DNA. The cytotoxicity cisplatin correlates with cellular arrest in G2 phase cell cycle.