Epsilons

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small quantity or value that is often used in mathematics to signify a negligible amount or an infinitesimally small difference
2. Representing a variable value close to zero in mathematical equations, particularly in calculus and limits
3. Used to denote minute differences in scientific contexts, especially in discussions around measurements and tolerances

Etymology: "Epsilons" is the plural of "epsilon," the fifth letter of the Greek alphabet, and the plural is used here for the small quantities it stands for in science and engineering. The letter's name comes from Ancient Greek ἒ ψιλόν (è psilón), meaning "simple E." The name points to how the letter was once distinguished from its neighbour. Greek had two sounds written close together: the short "e" sound and the long "e" sound. Writers called the short vowel "simple E," and the longer one "E-long," which is the origin of "eta." The letter that became "epsilon" was therefore the plain, short version of E, and that contrast explains the name rather than any link to smallness.

Synonyms: epsilon