Kelvin function

noun

Any of class of special functions, usually denoted as two pairs of functions berₙ(x), beiₙ(x), kerₙ(x) and keiₙ(x) with variable x and given order number n. The former two functions berₙ(x) and beiₙ(x) respectively correspond to the real part and the imaginary part of the Kelvin differential equation's solution that can be expressed with the Bessel function of the first kind Jₙ(x), and the latter kerₙ(x) and keiₙ(x) correspond to those that can be expressed with the modified Bessel function of the second kind Kₙ(x).

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Meanings

nounKelvin function (plural Kelvin functions)

plural Kelvin functions

  1. mathematicsAny of class of special functions, usually denoted as two pairs of functions berₙ(x), beiₙ(x), kerₙ(x) and keiₙ(x) with variable x and given order number n. The former two functions berₙ(x) and beiₙ(x) respectively correspond to the real part and the imaginary part of the Kelvin differential equation's solution that can be expressed with the Bessel function of the first kind Jₙ(x), and the latter kerₙ(x) and keiₙ(x) correspond to those that can be expressed with the modified Bessel function of the second kind Kₙ(x).

Origin

Named after Lord Kelvin.

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Cite this entry
APA

Kelvin function. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Kelvin%20function

MLA

“Kelvin function.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Kelvin%20function. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Kelvin function,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Kelvin%20function.

Source: Kelvin function on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.