existential quantifier

American  

noun

Logic.

1. a quantifier indicating that the sentential function within its scope is true for at least one value of the variable included in the quantifier.

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existential quantifier British  

noun

1. logic a formal device, for which the conventional symbol is ∃, which indicates that the open sentence that follows is true of at least one member of the relevant universe of interpretation, as (∃ x ) Fx meaning "something is (an) F," "something Fs," or "there are (some) Fs."

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Etymology

Origin of existential quantifier

First recorded in 1935–40