Hamiltonian
[ ham-uhl-toh-nee-uhn ]
/ ˌhæm əlˈtoʊ ni ən /
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adjective
pertaining to or advocating Hamiltonianism.
noun
a supporter of Alexander Hamilton or Hamiltonianism.
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British Dictionary definitions for Hamiltonian
Hamiltonian
/ (ˌhæməlˈtəʊnɪən) physics maths /
noun
a mathematical function of the coordinates and momenta of a system of particles used to express their equations of motion
a mathematical operator that generates such a functionSymbol: H
adjective
denoting or relating to Sir William Rowan Hamilton, or to the theory of mechanics or mathematical operator devised by him
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Scientific definitions for Hamiltonian
Hamiltonian
[ hăm′əl-tō′nē-ən ]
A mathematical function or operator that can be used to describe the state of a physical system. In classical mechanics, the Hamiltonian is a function of coordinates and momenta of bodies in the system, treated as independent variables. It is equal to the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of the system, and can be used to derive the equations of motion for the system. In quantum mechanics, the Hamiltonian is an operator corresponding to the total energy of the system. The Hamiltonian is named after Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton (1805-1865).
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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