partial derivative

noun

: the derivative of a function of several variables with respect to one of them and with the remaining variables treated as constants

Examples of partial derivative in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
On the first day of the fall 2009 semester, dozens of University of Virginia students trickled into a lecture hall for a Calculus III course, dividing their focus between partial derivatives and multiple integrals. Byjasmine Li, Fortune, 10 Feb. 2024 This is defined as the partial derivative of the option price with respect to the stock price. William Baldwin, Forbes, 27 Oct. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of partial derivative was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near partial derivative

Cite this Entry

“Partial derivative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/partial%20derivative. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on partial derivative

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!