positive definite

American  

adjective

Mathematics.

1. (of a quadratic form) positive for all real values of the variables, where the values are not all zero.

2. (of a matrix) displaying the coefficients of a positive definite quadratic form.

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Other Word Forms

• positive definiteness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of positive definite

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

positive definite

Why didn't He say something positive, definite, satisfactory, about another world?

From Lectures of Col. R. G. Ingersoll - Latest by Robert Green Ingersoll

They imply a confession of lack of such wisdom as would enable me to make positive definite proposals.

From China, Japan and the U.S.A. Present-Day Conditions in the Far East and Their Bearing on the Washington Conference by John Dewey

There is hope, positive, definite hope for every case—this fact is based on every imaginable form of stuttering or stammering.

From Stammering, Its Cause and Cure by Benjamin Nathaniel Bogue

His heart ached with a positive, definite pain that he was not younger, handsomer, and better equipped to win the love of his wife.

From He Fell in Love with His Wife by Edward Payson Roe

There ought to be some very quick, positive, definite answer.

From Unborn Tomorrow by Kelly Freas