eigenvalue

noun

ei·gen·val·ue | \ ˈī-gən-ˌval-(ˌ)yü

Definition of eigenvalue

: a scalar associated with a given linear transformation of a vector space and having the property that there is some nonzero vector which when multiplied by the scalar is equal to the vector obtained by letting the transformation operate on the vector especially : a root of the characteristic equation of a matrix

Examples of eigenvalue in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Time and again, regardless of their specific characteristics, the random matrices are found to exhibit that same chaotic yet regular pattern in the distribution of their eigenvalues. — Quanta Magazine, "In Mysterious Pattern, Math and Nature Converge," 5 Feb. 2013 The pattern involved a second layer of numbers called eigenvalues, which are like the DNA of a matrix. — Quanta Magazine, "Universal Pattern Explains Why Materials Conduct," 6 May 2019 By contrast, the Tracy-Widom curve appears to arise from variables that are strongly correlated, such as interacting species, stock prices and matrix eigenvalues. — Natalie Wolchover, WIRED, "Mysterious Statistical Law May Finally Have an Explanation," 27 Oct. 2014

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'eigenvalue.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.