characteristic function
nounUK /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk ˈfʌŋkʃən/
US /ˌkærəktəˈrɪstɪk ˈfʌŋkʃən/
A special math rule that tells you everything about a random event.
The teacher used a characteristic function to describe how the dice rolls might turn out.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In logic, a function that gives 1 for true and 0 for false.
The test used a characteristic function to mark each answer as yes or no.
3. In set theory, a function that tells whether an item belongs to a set.
The characteristic function returned 1 because the number was in the set.
4. A feature or quality that defines how something works.
Patience is a characteristic function of a good teacher.