weierstrass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C1
UK/ˈvaɪ.əˌʃtrɑːs/US/ˈvaɪ.ɚˌstrɑːs/

Highly Technical (Mathematics)

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Quick answer

What does “weierstrass” mean?

A proper noun referring to the 19th-century German mathematician Karl Weierstrass.

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Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A proper noun referring to the 19th-century German mathematician Karl Weierstrass.

Most commonly used adjectivally in mathematics to refer to concepts, theorems, or functions developed by or named after Karl Weierstrass, such as the Weierstrass approximation theorem or the Weierstrass function.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in usage, spelling, or meaning between British and American English.

Connotations

Connotes advanced, rigorous mathematical analysis, particularly real and complex analysis.

Frequency

Extremely low frequency in general language, occurring only in specialised academic (mathematical) texts in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “weierstrass” in a Sentence

[Weierstrass] + NOUN (theorem, function, etc.)the + NOUN + of + [Weierstrass]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
Weierstrass approximation theoremWeierstrass functionWeierstrass M-testWeierstrass preparation theorem
medium
theorem of Weierstrasswork of Weierstrassresults of Weierstrass
weak
according to Weierstrassfollowing Weierstrass

Examples

Examples of “weierstrass” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The Weierstrass elliptic function is fundamental.
  • This is a Weierstrass-type singularity.

American English

  • Weierstrass's approximation theorem is crucial.
  • They applied a Weierstrass product representation.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Exclusively used in advanced mathematics, particularly in papers and textbooks on analysis. Usage example: 'The proof relies on the Weierstrass M-test for uniform convergence.'

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

The primary domain of use. Refers to specific technical concepts in mathematical analysis.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “weierstrass”

Weak

the mathematician Weierstrass

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “weierstrass”

  • Misspelling: 'Weirstrass', 'Weierstrauss'.
  • Mispronunciation: Pronouncing the 'W' as English /w/ instead of German /v/.
  • Using it as a common noun.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it is a highly technical term from advanced mathematics and is not part of general English vocabulary.

In English, it is typically pronounced /ˈvaɪ.əˌʃtrɑːs/ (VY-uh-strahss), approximating the original German pronunciation.

Yes, in mathematical contexts, it is commonly used adjectivally (e.g., 'the Weierstrass function').

Only if you are studying advanced university-level mathematics, specifically real or complex analysis. It is not required for general English proficiency.

A proper noun referring to the 19th-century German mathematician Karl Weierstrass.

Weierstrass is usually highly technical (mathematics) in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'Why-err-stress?' Studying his rigorous theorems in analysis might cause you stress.

Conceptual Metaphor

N/A (Technical proper noun/eponym).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
The M-test provides a criterion for uniform convergence of a series of functions.
Multiple Choice

In which field is the term 'Weierstrass' exclusively used?