finite difference

noun

: any of a sequence of differences obtained by incrementing successively the dependent variable of a function by a fixed amount
especially : any of such differences obtained from a polynomial function using successive integral values of its dependent variable

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of finite difference was in 1807

Dictionary Entries Near finite difference

Cite this Entry

“Finite difference.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/finite%20difference. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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