zeta

noun

ze·​ta ˈzā-tə How to pronounce zeta (audio)
ˈzē-
: the 6th letter of the Greek alphabet see Alphabet Table

Examples of zeta in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Riemann had actually done pages of calculations of zeros of the Riemann zeta function. Jordana Cepelewicz, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2023 The Riemann zeta function, by contrast, assigns complex numbers to the variable s, an innovation that brings the whole vast store of techniques from complex analysis to bear on questions in number theory. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 13 Jan. 2022 Riemann’s question hinges on the Riemann zeta function. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 13 Jan. 2022 The Riemann zeta function is the most famous member of a large class of mathematical objects, L-functions, that encode many different arithmetic relationships. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 13 Jan. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'zeta.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek zēta

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zeta was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near zeta

Cite this Entry

“Zeta.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zeta. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

zeta

noun
ze·​ta ˈzāt-ə How to pronounce zeta (audio)
: the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet
Ζ or ζ
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