characteristic function

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. a function defined on a given set, having value 1 for every element of the set and value 0 for every element not contained in the set.

2. characteristic polynomial.

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characteristic function British  

noun

1. maths a function that assigns the value 1 to the members of a given set and the value 0 to its nonmembers

2. statistics a function derived from the probability distribution function that enables the distribution of the sum of given random variables to be analysed

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Etymology

Origin of characteristic function

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

What, then, is the characteristic function of philosophy, at least its initial function, that which marks its opening?

From A New Philosophy: Henri Bergson by Benson, Vincent

They perform to a large extent the work of management; they supply capital on what may be a considerable scale; but it is the taking of business risk which is perhaps their most characteristic function.

From Supply and Demand by Henderson, Hubert D.

Chromium when alloyed with steel, has the characteristic function of opposing the disintegration and reconstruction of cementite.

From The Working of Steel Annealing, Heat Treating and Hardening of Carbon and Alloy Steel by Colvin, Fred H. (Fred Herbert)

But even at the level of language, the characteristic function of this sign system was the constitution of practical experiences, not the representation of means for sharing categories of experiences.

From The Civilization of Illiteracy by Nadin, Mihai

Though in some late texts he is said to have evolved the world from himself, his characteristic function is not to create but, like Vishnu, to save and like Vishnu he holds a lotus.

From Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 2 by Eliot, Charles, Sir