I. ˈdel noun
( -s )
Etymology: short for delta; from its being symbolized by an inverted Greek delta
: an operator upon a function of three variables (as x, y, and z ) interpreted as coordinates in a right-handed rectangular system for obtaining the partial derivatives of the function, for multiplying these derivatives by the unit vectors (as I, J, K) along the axes, and for adding the results
the vector differential operator (read del ) is defined by ∇ = I∂/∂x + J∂/∂y + K∂/∂z — Leigh Page
— symbol ∇
II. abbreviation
1. delegate
2. delete
3.
[Latin delineavit ]
he drew
4. deliver