Definition

1. Noun:
   • The 11th letter of the Greek alphabet (Λ, λ): The 11th letter in the sequence of the Greek alphabet, often used as a symbol in various scientific and academic fields.
   • A specific craniometric point on the human skull: In anatomy, the point where the sagittal suture and the lambdoid suture meet at the back of the skull.

Examples of Usage

• As the Greek letter:
  • In physics, the symbol lambda often represents wavelength.
  • The Greek letter lambda is the equivalent of the Roman 'L'.
• As the anatomical point:
  • The lambda is an important landmark for craniometric measurements.
  • The surgeon identified the lambda before proceeding.

Advanced Usage

• In programming: In computer science, particularly in functional programming, a lambda refers to an anonymous function.
  • The programmer used a lambda to simplify the sorting algorithm.
• In physics and mathematics: Lambda (λ) is a common symbol for eigenvalues, decay constants, or wavelength.
  • The equation solved for the eigenvalue lambda.

Variants and Related Words

• Lambdoid (adj): Shaped like the Greek letter lambda (Λ); specifically relating to the lambdoid suture of the skull.
  • The lambdoid suture separates the occipital and parietal bones.
• Lambda calculus (n): A formal system in mathematical logic and computer science for expressing computation.
  • Lambda calculus is a foundational concept for functional programming languages.

Synonyms

• Greek letter L: A descriptive synonym for its alphabetic meaning.
• Craniometric point: A general term for its anatomical meaning.

Related Phrases

• Lambda particle (n): In particle physics, a type of baryon.
  • The properties of the lambda particle were studied in the experiment.
• Lambda phage (n): A bacteriophage (a virus that infects bacteria) used in molecular biology research.
  • The lambda phage is a common model system in genetics.

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms directly centered on the word "lambda". Its usage is primarily technical and symbolic.)

Noun

1. the craniometric point at the junction of the sagittal and lamboid sutures of the skull
2. the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet