frame of reference


noun, plural frames of reference.

a structure of concepts, values, customs, views, etc., by means of which an individual or group perceives or evaluates data, communicates ideas, and regulates behavior.
Also called reference frame. Physics. a framework that is used for the observation and mathematical description of physical phenomena and the formulation of physical laws, usually consisting of an observer, a coordinate system, and a clock or clocks assigning times at positions with respect to the coordinate system.

Origin of frame of reference

First recorded in 1895–1900

Words nearby frame of reference

British Dictionary definitions for frame of reference

frame of reference

noun

a set of basic assumptions or standards that determines and sanctions behaviour
any set of planes or curves, such as the three coordinate axes, used to locate or measure movement of a point in space

Scientific definitions for frame of reference

frame of reference
[ frām ]

See reference frame.