positive definite

adjective

1
: having a positive value for all values of the constituent variables
positive definite quadratic forms
2
of a matrix : having the characteristic roots real and positive

Word History

First Known Use

1904, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of positive definite was in 1904

Dictionary Entries Near positive definite

Cite this Entry

“Positive definite.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positive%20definite. Accessed 1 Apr. 2023.

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