positive definite
Americanadjective
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(of a quadratic form) positive for all real values of the variables, where the values are not all zero.
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(of a matrix) displaying the coefficients of a positive definite quadratic form.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of positive definite
First recorded in 1905–10
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
And as these biological facts, scanty, indefinite, rudimentary, though they are, aid him so essentially; judge what must be the value to him of such facts when they become positive, definite, and exhaustive.
From Essays on Education and Kindred Subjects Everyman's Library by Herbert Spencer
“You mean that it has come as a positive definite occurrence, with a name and a date?”
From The Beast in the Jungle by Henry James
Anything positive, definite, susceptible of proof, no matter how distressing, would be more tolerable than this suspense, this maddening conjecture.
From Infelice by Augusta J. (Augusta Jane) Evans
Why didn't He say something positive, definite, satisfactory, about another world?
From Lectures of Col. R. G. Ingersoll - Latest by Robert Green Ingersoll
There ought to be some very quick, positive, definite answer.
From Unborn Tomorrow by Kelly Freas
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