del

n. (Math.) a differential operator which, operating on a function of several variables, gives the sum of the partial derivatives of the function with respect to the three orthogonal spatial coordinates; -- also called the gradient or grad. It is represented by an inverted Greek capital delta (∇), and is thus because of its shape also called nabla, meaning harp in Hebrew. [ PJC ]

n. [ L. delacerare, delaceratum, to tear in pieces. See Lacerate. ] A tearing in pieces. [ Obs. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. delacrimatio, fr. delacrimare to weep. See Lachrymation. ] An involuntary discharge of watery humors from the eyes; wateriness of the eyes. [ Obs. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Pref. de- + L. lactare to suck milk, from lac milk. ] The act of weaning. [ Obs. ] Bailey. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Muslin delaine, under Muslin. ] A kind of fabric for women's dresses. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Biol.) Formation and separation of laminæ or layers; one of the methods by which the various blastodermic layers of the ovum are differentiated. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ This process consists of a concentric splitting of the cells of the blastosphere into an outer layer (epiblast) and an inner layer (hypoblast). By the perforation of the resultant two-walled vesicle, a gastrula results similar to that formed by the process of invagination. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Delapsion. Ray. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Delapsed p. pr. & vb. n. Delapsing. ] [ L. delapsus, p. p. of delabi to fall down; de- + labi to fall or side. ] To pass down by inheritance; to lapse. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Which Anne derived alone the right, before all other,
Of the delapsed crown from Philip. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]