Bessel function

noun

Bes·​sel function ˈbe-səl- 

: one of a class of transcendental functions expressible as infinite series and occurring in the solution of the differential equation {latex}x^{2}\frac{d^{2}y}{dx^{2}} + x\frac{dy}{dx} = (n^2 - x^2)y{/latex}

Word History

Etymology

Friedrich W. Bessel †1846 Prussian astronomer

First Known Use

1862, in the meaning defined above