differential operator


noun Mathematics.

a function, usually expressed as a polynomial, that indicates linear combinations of the derivatives of the expression on which it operates.

British Dictionary definitions for differential operator

differential operator

noun

any operator involving differentiation, such as the mathematical operator del ∇, used in vector analysis, where ∇ = i ∂/∂ x + j ∂/∂ y + k ∂/∂ z, i, j, and k being unit vectors and ∂/∂ x, ∂/∂ y, and ∂/∂ z the partial derivatives of a function in x, y, and z