beta function

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a function of two variables, usually expressed as an improper integral and equal to the quotient of the product of the values of the gamma function at each variable divided by the value of the gamma function at the sum of the variables.

Word History and Origins

Origin of beta function¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

I couldn’t tell if it was a problem of age—or a repeat of the story of the beta function.

From Scientific American

I remember once talking to him about something in quantum field theory called the beta function.

From Scientific American

Of course, he had understood all along, but was being difficult about me using the “beta function” term, even though by then it had been standard for years.

From Scientific American