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

See Space, Geometry, Reasoning, "Descending" movement of matter, etc. and magnitude, 215, 216 repetition the characteristic function of intellect, 164, 199, 205-16 and space, 216.

From Creative Evolution by Mitchell, Arthur

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.

The suspensive tone which the voice assumes at the end of the interrogation is indicative of incompleteness of thought; and indication of incompleteness is the characteristic function of all rising intervals.

From The Ontario Readers: The High School Reader, 1886 by Ontario. Ministry of Education

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