Bessel function

noun

Bes·sel function ˈbe-səl-

: one of a class of transcendental functions expressible as infinite series and occurring in the solution of the differential equation

$x^{2}\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} + x\frac{dy}{dx} = (n^2 - x^2)y$

Word History

Etymology

Friedrich W. Bessel †1846 Prussian astronomer

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of Bessel function was in 1862

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bessel function.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Bessel%20function. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

Bessel function

noun

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on Bessel function

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

effusive

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Popular

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Games & Quizzes

Bessel function

noun

Word History

Rhymes for Bessel function

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on Bessel function

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

effusive

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

More Words with Remarkable Origins

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Popular

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

Top 10 Sophisticated Insults

Games & Quizzes