Pascal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pascal

[pษ™หˆskal ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

programming language

Pascal is a high-level programming language developed by Niklaus Wirth in the late 1960s. It was designed to encourage good programming practices and is known for its readability and structured approach.

Synonyms

Niklaus Wirth, programming language, structured programming.

Examples of usage

  • Pascal was widely used in the 1970s and 1980s for teaching programming concepts.
  • Many universities incorporated Pascal into their computer science curriculum.
  • The syntax of Pascal is similar to the C programming language.
Context #2 | Noun

name

Pascal is a common given name of French origin, meaning 'Easter'. It is often used in French-speaking countries and has variations in other languages such as Pascale.

Synonyms

Easter, Pascale, given name.

Examples of usage

  • Pascal is a popular name in France.
  • Many churches celebrate Easter with a Pascal candle.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • One pascal is defined as one newton of force applied over an area of one square meter.
  • It's often used in fields like meteorology to measure atmospheric pressure; for example, standard atmospheric pressure is about 101,325 pascals.
  • Pascal's principle states that when pressure is applied to a confined fluid, the pressure change occurs throughout the fluid evenly.

Technology

  • In computer programming, 'Pascal' also refers to a high-level programming language developed by Niklaus Wirth in the 1970s, designed for teaching programming concepts.
  • The Pascal programming language influenced many modern programming languages, including Delphi and Ada.

Psychology

  • Pascal was known for his thoughts on human existence and emotions, famously saying, 'The heart has its reasons which reason knows not.'
  • He emphasized the importance of doubt and uncertainty in human experience, which resonates in modern existential thought.

Literature

  • Blaise Pascal wrote 'Pensรฉes', a collection of thoughts on theology and philosophy that explores the human condition and reflects his religious beliefs.
  • His writings often delve into the conflict between faith and reason, which has influenced numerous philosophical movements.

Origin of 'pascal'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from Blaise Pascal, a 17th-century French mathematician and physicist known for his work on fluid mechanics.
  • The term was officially adopted in 1971 by the International System of Units (SI) to honor his contributions.

The word 'Pascal' has its origins in the Old French name 'Paschal' or 'Pascale', which means 'of Easter'. It is derived from the Latin word 'Paschalis', which is related to the Hebrew word 'pesach', meaning 'Passover'. The name became associated with the programming language developed by Niklaus Wirth, who named it in honor of the French mathematician and philosopher Blaise Pascal.


See also: Pascale.