Mass Meaning
Mass Definition & Usage
A coherent, typically large number of people or things grouped together.
Examples
- "The mass of tourists flocked to the museum on its opening day."
- "A mass of debris covered the once pristine beach."
- "During the concert, the mass of fans sang along to every song."
- "The organizing committee prepared for the mass turnout at the rally."
- "Every week, a mass of students gathers at the library for study sessions."
The quantity of matter in an object, typically measured in kilograms or grams.
Examples
- "The mass of the Earth is about 5.97 × 10^24 kg."
- "Calculating the mass of the object is essential for determining its weight in different gravitational fields."
- "In chemistry, the molar mass of a substance is critical for stoichiometric calculations."
- "The formula for mass is derived from the density and the volume of an object."
- "Scientists found the mass of the newly discovered particle was much smaller than expected."
A religious ceremony in the Christian tradition, especially in the Catholic Church.
Examples
- "She attended the Sunday mass with her family."
- "The priest prepared for the evening mass by arranging the altar."
- "He found great solace in the rituals of the mass."
- "The children's choir sang beautifully during the Easter mass."
- "Many people find that attending mass helps them connect with their faith."
Cultural Context
The term 'mass' has diverse meanings rooted in both everyday language and specialized fields like science and religion. In general use, it refers to a large group, conveying a sense of collective presence. Scientifically, it highlights measurable substance, while religiously, it denotes a significant ceremony.
A Mass of Voices
Story
A Mass of Voices
Ella stood at the edge of the city park, watching the mass of people gathered for the annual arts festival. Families were sprawled on the grass, artists displayed their work, and the air buzzed with laughter and conversation. It amazed her how such a diverse crowd could come together to appreciate creativity in all its forms. Among the throng, Ella spotted her friend, Sam, who was busy explaining the concept of mass to a group of curious children. He crouched down to their level, pointing at the colorful sculpture made from recycled materials—a brilliant example of how mass could convert trash into art. “See,” he said with enthusiasm, “while art is beautiful, it also has mass! This sculpture weighs about fifty kilograms!” The children gasped, their eyes wide. “Oh! Like how my backpack feels heavier when I fill it with books?” one boy exclaimed. Sam chuckled and nodded, appreciating the unexpected connection of mass in a child’s educational moment. Later, as the sun began to set, Ella found herself at the makeshift amphitheater, waiting for the headlining band to take the stage. The mass of fans pushed forward, fueled by excitement. Streaming lights illuminated the scene, and with a roar, the band began to play. The sound overwhelmed her senses, yet connected the crowd in a powerful unison. They all sang along, a mass of voices harmonizing under the starry sky. After the concert, Ella strolled home, reflecting on the day’s encounters. She felt rejuvenated, acknowledging how mass could symbolize not just size or quantity but also unity and spirit. In moments shared—whether in awe of nature, pondering science, or engaging in faith at the altar, where she often attended mass with her family—each 'mass' intertwined to create an experience that was deeply human.