partial differential

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. an expression obtained from a given function of several variables by taking the partial derivative with respect to one of the variables and multiplying by the increment in that variable.

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Etymology

Origin of partial differential

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

partial differential

The work brings together ideas from complex analysis, partial differential equations, and geometric function theory.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 7, 2026

“When I got my first text on partial differential equations, I learned what love is.”

From Scientific American ● Jun. 2, 2023

Yet, Dr. Caffarelli, 74, was able to make major progress in the understanding of partial differential equations even when complete solutions remain elusive.

From New York Times ● Mar. 22, 2023

The sage speaking here is Anna Kiesenhofer, the Austrian mathematician specializing in partial differential equations and symplectic geometry who stunned world cycling by winning the gold in the Olympic road race on Sunday.

From Slate ● Jul. 29, 2021

Examples: d2z = g: ydx + xdy + zdz = 0. dt2 An ordinary differential equation involves only one independent variable, a partial differential equation involves more than one.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various