Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
adjoint
adjective
/ˈædʒ.ɔɪnt/
Definition
In mathematics, particularly in linear algebra, an adjoint is a matrix derived from a given matrix by taking its transpose and then applying complex conjugation to its entries.
Examples
- The adjoint of a matrix is essential in finding its inverse.
- In quantum mechanics, the adjoint of operators plays a crucial role in determining observable quantities.
Meaning
The term ‘adjoint’ often refers to the adjoint operator in functional analysis, which represents a linear mapping related to the inner product space.
Synonyms
- Conjugate
- Transpose
