Ornstein-Zernike equation

proper noun

An integral equation that relates different correlation functions with each other and, together with a closure relation, is used to compute the structure factor and thermodynamic state functions of amorphous matter such as liquids or colloids.

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Meanings

proper nounthe Ornstein-Zernike equation
  1. statistical mechanicsAn integral equation that relates different correlation functions with each other and, together with a closure relation, is used to compute the structure factor and thermodynamic state functions of amorphous matter such as liquids or colloids.

Origin

Introduced by Leonard Ornstein and Frits Zernike.

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Cite this entry
APA

Ornstein-Zernike equation. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Ornstein-Zernike%20equation

MLA

“Ornstein-Zernike equation.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Ornstein-Zernike%20equation. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Ornstein-Zernike equation,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Ornstein-Zernike%20equation.

Source: Ornstein-Zernike equation on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.