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delta
1[ del-tuh ]
noun
- the fourth letter of the Greek alphabet (Δ, δ).
- the consonant sound represented by this letter.
- the fourth in a series of items.
- anything triangular, like the Greek capital delta (Δ).
- Mathematics. an incremental change in a variable, as Δ or δ.
- a nearly flat plain of alluvial deposit between diverging branches of the mouth of a river, often, though not necessarily, triangular:
the Nile delta.
- Also Delta. a word used in communications to represent the letter D.
- Delta, Astronomy. a star that is usually the fourth brightest of a constellation:
The fourth brightest star in the Southern Cross is Delta Crucis.
Delta
2[ del-tuh ]
noun
- the NATO name for a class of nuclear-powered submarines armed with multiple-warhead ballistic missiles, including those designed to strike military and industrial installations: first produced for the Soviet Navy in the 1970s; in service with the Russian Navy since 1992.
Delta
1/ ˈdɛltə /
noun
- foll by the genitive case of a specified constellation usually the fourth brightest star in a constellation
- any of a group of US launch vehicles used to put unmanned satellites into orbit
- communications a code word for the letter d
Delta
2/ ˈdɛltə /
noun
- a state of Nigeria, on the Niger river delta on the Gulf of Guinea. Capital: Asaba. Pop: 4 098 391 (2006). Area: 17 698 sq km (6833 sq miles)
delta
3/ ˈdɛltə; dɛlˈteɪɪk /
noun
- the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet (Δ, δ), a consonant transliterated as d
- an object resembling a capital delta in shape
- capital when part of name the flat alluvial area at the mouth of some rivers where the mainstream splits up into several distributaries
the Mississippi Delta
- maths a finite increment in a variable
delta
/ dĕl′tə /
- A usually triangular mass of sediment, especially silt and sand, deposited at the mouth of a river. Deltas form when a river flows into a body of standing water, such as a sea or lake, and deposits large quantities of sediment. They are usually crossed by numerous streams and channels and have exposed as well as submerged areas.
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Derived Forms
- deltaic, adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of delta1
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Word History and Origins
Origin of delta1
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Example Sentences
My maxim is with Æschylus: τὸ δυσσεβές—μετὰ μὲν πλείονα τίκτει, σφετέρᾳ δ᾿εἰκότα γέννᾳ.
The broad plains formed at the mouth of a river are called deltas, from their resemblance to the Greek letter Δ.
And Prometheus with his grand solitary εγω δ' ετολμησα,7 and his saving them, as the first good, from annihilation.
Lycophron makes Cassandra say of Diomedes, ΤYΜΒΟΣ δ' αυτον εκσωσει: the temple, to which he shall fly, shall save him.
It is also styled Μακκαβαίων δ᾽, Μακκαβαῒκόν, εἰς τοὺς Μακκαβαίους.
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