positive definite

adjective

, Mathematics.

1. (of a quadratic form) positive for all real values of the variables, where the values are not all zero.
2. (of a matrix) displaying the coefficients of a positive definite quadratic form.

Other Words From

• positive definiteness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of positive definite¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

You mean that it has come as a positive definite occurrence, with a name and a date?

From Project Gutenberg

They imply a confession of lack of such wisdom as would enable me to make positive definite proposals.

From Project Gutenberg