Nabla
/ˈnæblə/noun
A mathematical symbol used to represent vector differential operators such as gradient, divergence, and curl.
Did you know?The mathematical term nabla is widely believed to come from the Greek name of a Phoenician harp-shaped instrument, because the symbol resembles that triangular form.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
νάβλα
“a Phoenician harp or triangular stringed instrument”
19th Century
English
nabla
“a name proposed for the triangular symbol used in vector calculus”
19th Century
English
∇
“the mathematical operator later called nabla”
Modern English
English
nabla
“the vector differential operator symbol”