WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
characteris′tic equa′tion, 
    1. Mathematics
      • the characteristic polynomial of a given matrix, equated to zero.
      • Also called auxiliary equation. an equation with one variable and equated to zero, which is derived from a given linear differential equation and in which the coefficient and power of the variable in each term correspond to the coefficient and order of a derivative in the original equation.
    2. PhysicsSee equation of state. 
    • 1920–25

'characteristic equation' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
auxiliary equation - characteristic root - equation of state

Forum discussions with the word(s) "characteristic equation" in the title:


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