partial derivative

noun

, Mathematics.

1. the derivative of a function with respect to one of its variables with all other variables held constant.

partial derivative

noun

1. the derivative of a function of two or more variables with respect to one of the variables, the other or others being considered constant. Written ∂f/∂ x

partial derivative

/ pär′shəl /

1. The derivative with respect to a single variable of a function of two or more variables, regarding other variables as constants.

Word History and Origins

Origin of partial derivative¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Nirenberg, for example, has done important work on the Navier–Stokes equations that describe fluid flow, which also involve partial derivatives.

From Nature

The Nash approach uses partial derivatives, while the dynamic approach uses total derivatives.

From Project Gutenberg