Del

In vector calculus, del is a vector differential operator represented by the symbol . Another name of this symbol is the nabla, after a Hebrew stringed instrument with a similar shape, and so the operator is also called the nabla operator. Yet another name is Atled, because it is a reversed Delta.

It is a shorthand for the vector:

The symbol was introduced by William Rowan Hamilton.

The operator can be applied to scalar fields () or vector fields (), to give:

• Gradient:
• Divergence:
• Curl:

See also:

• Laplace operator
• Table of mathematical symbols
• Maxwell's Equations

Further reading

• Div, Grad, Curl, and All That, H. M. Schey, ISBN 0-393-96997-5