Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

eigenvalue

/ˈaɪ.ɡənˌvæl.ju/

Word Rarity Very rare

Frequency: 2.38 in modern English

Syllables: ei-gen-val-ue
IPA: /ˈaɪ.ɡənˌvæl.ju/

14

Scrabble Score

10

Letters

4

Syllables

8

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A scalar λ, such that there exists a non-zero vector x (a corresponding eigenvector) for which the image of x under a given linear transformation A is equal to the image of x under multiplication by λ; i.e. Ax=λx.

Example Sentences

"In the extension, one associates eigenvalues, sets of scalars, with arrays of matrices by considering the singularity of linear combinations of the matrices in the various rows, involving the same coefficients in each case. Attention to this area was called in the early 1920's by R. D. Carmichael, who pointed out in addition the enormous variety of mixed eigenvalue problems with several parameters."
"For many quantum-mechanical problems it is important to investigate the change of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions with the continuous change of one or more parameters. The case in which one knows the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for two special values of the parameters, and is interested in the region in between is particularly interesting."
"Problems that require an investigation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions arise in connection with numerous topics in mechanics, the theory of vibrations and stability, hydrodynamics, elasticity, acoustics, electrodynamics, quantum mechanics, etc."
"To find all the eigenvalues of A, solve the characteristic equation. ¶ For each eigenvalue λ, to find the corresponding set of eigenvectors, solve the linear system of equations […]"

Etymology

From eigen- + value. Partial calque of German Eigenwert.

Regional Pronunciation

American English: /ˈaɪ.ɡənˌvæl.ju/
British English: /ˈaɪ.ɡənˌvæl.juː/

Inflected Forms

eigenvalues (plural)

Phrases

left eigenvalue right eigenvalue

Synonyms

characteristic root characteristic value eigenroot latent value proper value eigenvalue of a matrix eigenvalue of a square matrix characteristic root of a square matrix

Questions

How do you pronounce eigenvalue?: The recorded pronunciation is /ˈaɪ.ɡənˌvæl.ju/.
What does eigenvalue mean?: A scalar λ, such that there exists a non-zero vector x (a corresponding eigenvector) for which the image of x under a given linear transformation A is equal to the image of x under multiplication by λ; i.e. Ax=λx.
Where does eigenvalue come from?: From eigen- + value. Partial calque of German Eigenwert.

How to pronounce eigenvalue

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