Fourier analysis

American  

noun

Physics, Mathematics.

1. the expression of any periodic function as a sum of sine and cosine functions, as in an electromagnetic wave function.

2. harmonic analysis.

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Fourier analysis British  

/ ˈfʊərɪˌeɪ /

noun

1. the analysis of a periodic function into its simple sinusoidal or harmonic components, whose sum forms a Fourier series

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Fourier analysis Scientific  

1. The branch of mathematics concerned with the approximation of periodic functions by the Fourier series and with generalizations of such approximations to a wider class of functions.

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Etymology

Origin of Fourier analysis

First recorded in 1925–30; named after J.B.J. Fourier

Example Sentences

Throughout the 19th century, Fourier analysis evolved to include wider classes of phenomena, including waves that change their shape over time rather than repeating identically forever.

From New York Times • Sep. 14, 2021

More than two centuries ago, mathematicians developed a method called Fourier analysis for describing, for example, the vibrations of a guitar string as the combination of multiple sine waves.

From New York Times • Mar. 20, 2018

That's why we rely on computers and Fourier analysis ...

From Nature • Feb. 1, 2012

I've got a problem sheet on complex Fourier analysis due in at midday.

From BBC • Feb. 2, 2011

Fefferman has written nine major papers on his specialty, Fourier analysis, a branch of mathematics pioneered by Joseph Fourier in the early 19th century.

From Time Magazine Archive