Math.
an approximation of a given function f at a particular point x, in terms of values of the function and its derivatives at a neighboring point x 0 , by a power series in which the terms are given by f (n) ( x 0 ) ( x-x 0 ) n /n!, where f (n) ( x 0 ) is the derivative of order n evaluated at point x 0 . Cf. Maclaurin series .
[ 1905-10; after BROOK TAYLOR ]