characteristic root

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a scalar for which there exists a nonzero vector such that the scalar times the vector equals the value of the vector under a given linear transformation on a vector space.
2. a root of the characteristic equation of a given matrix.

Word History and Origins

Origin of characteristic root¹

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

The characteristic root systems of these trees allow them to withstand the ebb and flow of daily tides.

From BBC