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

Derived Forms

• positive definiteness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of positive definite

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

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

From Unborn Tomorrow by Freas, Kelly

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 Roe, Edward Payson

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

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

Nearly at the same time an important change passed over her religious views, and the vague deism of her youth deepened into a positive, definite, and earnest Christianity, but without mysticism and without intolerance.

From Historical and Political Essays by Lecky, William Edward Hartpole

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 Bogue, Benjamin Nathaniel