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An inverted solid triangle, denoting the vector differential operator.
Also known as: Del, Upside-down triangle
∇ is the vector differential operator. Its name comes from a Hellenistic harp of similar shape, suggested by William Robertson Smith; Hamilton, who introduced the operator, did not name it.
Is encoded as U+2207 NABLA in the Mathematical Operators block.
Contexts: Mathematics
Denotes the vector differential operator, which gives the gradient of a scalar field and, combined with a dot or cross, the divergence and curl of a vector field.
Contexts: Mathematics
Takes its name from a Hellenistic harp of similar shape, a suggestion of William Robertson Smith; William Rowan Hamilton, who introduced the operator, left it unnamed.
Contexts: Mathematics
An equilateral triangle standing on one vertex with a horizontal top edge, drawn as a solid or heavy outline form.
The operator and the derivatives it is built from.