partial differential equation

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a differential equation containing partial derivatives.

Word History and Origins

Origin of partial differential equation¹

First recorded in 1885–90

Example Sentences

The problem is that partial differential equations — as essential and ubiquitous as they are in science and engineering — are notoriously difficult to solve, if they can be solved at all.

From Quanta Magazine

An ordinary differential equation involves only one independent variable, a partial differential equation involves more than one.

From Project Gutenberg

We have thus two methods of solving the partial differential equation of the motion of a string.

From Project Gutenberg