(topology, of a topological space) The sum of even-dimensional Betti numbers minus the sum of odd-dimensional ones.

(linear algebra) The polynomial produced from a given square matrix by first subtracting the appropriate identity matrix multiplied by an indeterminant and then calculating the determinant.

plural of characteristic polynomial

plural of demand characteristic

(usually in the plural) An aspect of an experimental design that leads subjects to infer, and comply with, researcher expectations, thereby confounding the experimental results.

plural of characteristic function

(linear algebra) An eigenvalue.

plural of characteristic root

(linear algebra) an eigenvector

A change or modification to a living organism that occurs during its lifetime, that is not incorporated into its DNA, and hence cannot be passed on to its offspring; for example, the loss of a limb in an accident, or stunted growth due to inadequate nutrition.