calculus of variations

Save This Word!

noun

the branch of mathematics that deals with the problem of finding a curve or surface that maximizes or minimizes a given expression, usually with several restrictions placed on the desired curve.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of calculus of variations

First recorded in 1830–40

Words nearby calculus of variations

calculation, calculator, calculous, calculus, calculus of finite differences, calculus of variations, Calcutta, Calcutta Cup, caldarium, Caldecott award, Calder

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use calculus of variations in a sentence

The Dallas Cowboys sell out their state-of-the art football stadium.
Will Texas Stay Texan?|David Fontana|December 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It had many—the word now, I notice, instead of variations, everyone endlessly says iterations—it had many iterations.
Daphne Merkin on Lena Dunham, Book Criticism, and Self-Examination|Mindy Farabee|December 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
We happily hoist our egg nog in the air, embrace each other, and raise our out-of-tune voices in song.
The Most Confusing Christmas Music Lyrics Explained (VIDEO)|Kevin Fallon|December 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
DISH delivers a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience to every room of your home, wirelessly.
Four TV Shows We Can’t Wait to Return In 2015|DISH|December 22, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The company recently partnered with Oakley to create a one-of-a-kind single malt Scotch flask.
The Restaurant, Flask, And Photography Worthy of The Macallan Whisky||December 16, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You never know when you are going to stumble upon a jewel in the most out-of-the-way corner.
Music-Study in Germany|Amy Fay
Considerable hemorrhages from the bladder may occur in vesical calculus, tuberculosis, and newgrowths.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
But Lessard's a overbearin' son-of-a-gun all round, and he's always breakin' out in a new place.
Raw Gold|Bertrand W. Sinclair
I follow F. mainly, and note all but very trifling variations from it.
Chaucer's Works, Volume 1 (of 7) -- Romaunt of the Rose; Minor Poems|Geoffrey Chaucer
Mr. Slocum was not educated in a university, and his life has been in by-paths, and out-of-the-way places.
The Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;|Various

British Dictionary definitions for calculus of variations

calculus of variations

noun

a branch of calculus concerned with maxima and minima of definite integrals

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for calculus of variations

calculus of variations

Mathematical analysis of the maxima and minima of definite integrals, the integrands of which are functions of independent variables, dependent variables, and the derivatives of one or more dependent variables. Compare differential calculus integral calculus.