lambda

American  

[lam-duh] / ˈlæm də /

noun

1. the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet (Λ, λ).

2. the consonant sound represented by this letter.

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lambda British  

/ ˈlæmdə /

noun

1. the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet (Λ, λ), a consonant transliterated as l

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Etymology

Origin of lambda

< Greek lá ( m ) bda < Semitic; see lamed

Example Sentences

Theorists could account for this force by adding a cosmological constant, lambda, to Albert Einstein’s theory of gravity.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 4, 2024

In this study, they found that the lambda phage shares this mechanism.

From Science Daily • Nov. 21, 2023

In this particular case, a group of researchers focused on one variety of strange matter, called lambda particles.

From Scientific American • Apr. 27, 2023

With hepatitis treatments in mind, they had previously acquired a drug based on lambda interferons, a lesser-known type of interferon whose receptors are largely restricted to specific areas, like the respiratory tract.

From New York Times • Feb. 8, 2023

The letters delta and tau convey the idea of binding and rest in a place: the lambda denotes smoothness, as in the words slip, sleek, sleep, and the like.

From Cratylus by Jowett, Benjamin