Hamiltonian

[ ham-uhl-toh-nee-uhn ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

Hamiltonian

/ ˌhæməlˈtəʊnɪən /

a mathematical function of the coordinates and momenta of a system of particles used to express their equations of motion
a mathematical operator that generates such a function H

denoting or relating to Sir William Rowan Hamilton, or to the theory of mechanics or mathematical operator devised by him

Hamiltonian

/ hăm′əl-tō′nē-ən /

A mathematical function or operator that can be used to describe the state of a physical system. In classical mechanics, the Hamiltonian is a function of coordinates and momenta of bodies in the system, treated as independent variables. It is equal to the sum of the kinetic and potential energies of the system, and can be used to derive the equations of motion for the system. In quantum mechanics, the Hamiltonian is an operator corresponding to the total energy of the system. The Hamiltonian is named after Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton (1805–1865).

An Americanism dating back to 1790–1800; Hamilton + -ian

Our movement will adopt a Hamiltonian posture in the way we discuss government.

And that his feelings for Hamilton led to a government and a country that became Hamiltonian rather than Jeffersonian.

What Mr. Roosevelt really did was to revive the Hamiltonian ideal of constructive national legislation.

The whole tendency of his programme is to give a democratic meaning and purpose to the Hamiltonian tradition and method.

This paper had, by now, departed from the policy of its Hamiltonian founder.

Some urged Adams to overthrow the Hamiltonian cabal which opposed him.

The Hamiltonian transformation is extended to the case of varying relations as follows.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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