| Determinant | n. 1. That which serves to determine; that which causes determination. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Math.) The sum of a series of products of several numbers, these products being formed according to certain specified laws; thus, the determinant of the nine numbers
a, b, c, a′, b′, c′, a′′, b′′, c′′,
is a b′ c′′ - a b′′ c′ + a′ b′′ c ] - a′ b c′′ + a′′ b′ c. The determinant is written by placing the numbers from which it is formed in a square between two vertical lines. The theory of determinants forms a very important branch of modern mathematics. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (Logic) A mark or attribute, attached to the subject or predicate, narrowing the extent of both, but rendering them more definite and precise. Abp. Thomson. [ 1913 Webster ] |
