formfactor

noun4

1. •
   An industry standard that represents the size and shape of a circuit board.

   • In the case of embedded RTP systems the most difficult constraint lies in the area of system formfactor limitations . — 1989
2. •
   Any of various calculations representing the shape or distribution of a physical property within a microsystem such as an elementary particle or atomic nucleus.

   • This electromagnetic structure caused by the cloud of virtual states in the transition region is characterized by a specific formfactor, which is called the transition formfactor. — 1992
3. •
   The value of 4π * area / perimeter², used to measure how well an irregular shape approximates an idealized regular shape, and used to estimate surface area of irregular shapes.

   • the surface area of the ellipsoid fitted to the measured length and breadth is divided by the formfactor to estimate the surface area of the irregular object — 1989
4. •
   The ratio of energy radiating out from one patch to the energy absorbed by another patch, used in the calculation of radiosity.

   • Formfactor calculation is a very important but time-consuming step when determining a radiosity solution. — 2012