Stirling's formula

noun

Stir·​ling's formula ˈstər-liŋz- How to pronounce Stirling's formula (audio)
: a formula {latex}\sqrt{2\pi{n}} (\frac{n}{e})^n{/latex} that approximates the value of the factorial of a very large number n

Word History

Etymology

James Stirling †1770 Scottish mathematician

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Stirling's formula was in 1908

Dictionary Entries Near Stirling's formula

Cite this Entry

“Stirling's formula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Stirling%27s%20formula. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

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