ENGLISH
REFERENCE

zeta

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈzeɪtə// UK //zˈɛtɐ// ze·ta Archaic

n. the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet. In math and science, it is often used as a symbol for a specific number or a variable.

n. the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet (Ζ, ζ). In mathematical contexts, it frequently represents the Riemann zeta function or specific angles in physics and engineering.


SIMPLE

The professor used the letter zeta to label the angle in the diagram.

CONTEXTUAL

In advanced calculus, students learn how the zeta function relates to the distribution of prime numbers.

COMPLEX

The researcher noted that the zeta potential of the particles remained stable, indicating that the suspension would not settle or clump over time.

Usage

When referring to the Greek letter, it is a countable noun; when referring to the Riemann zeta function, it is often used as a proper noun or with the definite article.

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