complex function

8.5

A function that has two or more variables and shows complicated behavior

noun
/ˈkɒmplɛks ˈfʌŋkʃən/

Specialized

: función compleja

Because the response of viscoelastic polymers depends strongly on deformation rates, the shape of the fracture opening is a complex function of the distance from the fracture head.

We can have other accounts of relations of means to ends, or indeed of complex functions.

Examples

What I'm trying to do is this is some complex function U plus IV.
It is a complex function that relies on multiple sensory inputs.

Academic text (1999)
It is interesting that this also works for complex functions as well as real functions.
That's the collection of complex functions of a real variable, for example.
A source such as an electron gun or a laser produces radiation that may be described by the complex function ?(r) = vI(r) espif(r).

Academic text (2001)
Such wavefields are described by a complex function ?(r) = vI(r) expif(r), where r is the position in space, I(r) is the intensity (or probability density) of the wave, and f(r) is its phase.

Academic text (2001)
A complex function in mathematics can describe the behavior of multiple variables simultaneously.
In signal processing, a complex function often models systems that exhibit intricate behaviors based on various inputs.
The representation of fluid flow can be understood through a complex function that incorporates several influencing factors.

Synonyms

function

vscomplex function

Specialized

343 4.9

A rule in math or computing that gives one output for each input

is more specific and involves multiple variables or complex behavior

Antonyms

simple

∞ 1.0

Only the basic fact or thing

How Complex

complex function

Specialized

8.5

polynomial

Specialized

1 7.9

linear function

Specialized

1 4.7

Surface Forms

complex function singular

complex functions plural

Morphology

complex + function

The meaning is directly and transparently derived from combining the adjective 'complex' (intricate, consisting of many interrelated parts) with the noun 'function' (a mapping or mathematical relation). This adjective+noun composition follows standard English patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer it refers to a function that is complicated or involves multiple interacting parts/variables.

Etymology

Complex function comes from the simple idea that complex means 'made of many parts' and function means a math rule. So when a rule needs many steps or depends on more than one variable, we call it a complex function, which explains why it means a function that is not simple and has many interacting parts.