eigenfunction

[ ahy-guhn-fuhngk-shuhn ]

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a characteristic vector in a vector space in which the elements are functions.

eigenfunction

/ ˈaɪɡənˌfʌŋkʃən /

noun

1. maths physics a function satisfying a differential equation, esp an allowed function for a system in wave mechanics

Word History and Origins

Origin of eigenfunction¹

1925–30; < German Eigenfunktion, equivalent to eigen- characteristic, particular + Funktion function