Positive degree(Gram.), that state of an adjective or adverb which denotes simple quality, without comparison or relation to increase or diminution; as, wise, noble. — Positive electricity(Elec), the kind of electricity which is developed when glass is rubbed with silk, or which appears at that pole of a voltaic battery attached to the plate that is not attacked by the exciting liquid; — formerly called vitreous electricity; — opposed to negative electricity. — Positive eyepiece. See under Eyepiece. — Positive law. See Municipal law, under Law. — Positive motion(Mach.), motion which is derived from a driver through unyielding intermediate pieces, or by direct contact, and not through elastic connections, nor by means of friction, gravity, etc.; definite motion. — Positive philosophy. See Positivism. — Positive pole. (a) (Elec.) The pole of a battery or pile which yields positive or vitreous electricity; — opposed to negative pole. (b) (Magnetism) The north pole. [R.] — Positive quantity(Alg.), an affirmative quantity, or one affected by the sign plus [+]. — Positive rotation (Mech.), left-handed rotation. — Positive sign(Math.), the sign [+] denoting plus, or more, or addition.

Positive
(Pos"i*tive), n.

1. That which is capable of being affirmed; reality. South.

2. That which settles by absolute appointment.

3. (Gram.) The positive degree or form.

4. (Photog.) A picture in which the lights and shades correspond in position with those of the original, instead of being reversed, as in a negative. R. Hunt.

5. (Elec.) The positive plate of a voltaic or electrolytic cell.

Positively
(Pos"i*tive*ly), adv. In a positive manner; absolutely; really; expressly; with certainty; indubitably; peremptorily; dogmatically; — opposed to negatively.

Good and evil which is removed may be esteemed good or evil comparatively, and positively simply.
Bacon.

Give me some breath, some little pause, my lord,
Before I positively speak herein.
Shak.

I would ask . . . whether . . . the divine law does not positively require humility and meekness.
Sprat.

Positively chargedor electrified(Elec.), having a charge of positive electricity; — opposed to negatively electrified.

spar, tourmaline, etc. —

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