Meaning & Definition of word "Delta"

Delta

/ˈdɛltə/

noun:

  • 1. A landform at the mouth of a river created by the deposition of sediment.
    • Example: The Nile Delta is a fertile area that supports agriculture and wildlife.
  • 2. A difference or change in a quantity, often represented as a symbol (Δ) in mathematics and science.
    • Example: The delta in temperature between day and night can be quite significant in desert regions.
  • 3. In finance, a measure of the sensitivity of an option's price to changes in the price of the underlying asset.
    • Example: The delta of a call option typically ranges from 0 to 1, indicating how much the option price will change with the underlying asset's price.

verb:

  • 1. To form a delta shape or to deposit sediment at the mouth of a river.
    • Example: As the river slowed, it began to delta into the sea, creating new land.

Etymology

From the Greek letter 'delta', which is named after its shape resembling a triangle.

Common Phrases and Expressions

delta force:

A specialized unit of the U.S. Army responsible for counter-terrorism and hostage rescue operations.

delta variant:

A variant of the COVID-19 virus that has mutations making it more transmissible.

delta time:

In physics and engineering, refers to the time interval between two events.

Related Words

estuary:

A coastal area where freshwater from rivers meets and mixes with saltwater from the ocean.

sediment:

Solid material that is deposited by water, wind, or ice, often contributing to the formation of landforms.

distributary:

A river or stream that branches off and flows away from the main river.

Slang Meanings of delta

Meaning: An abbreviation for the word 'delta' used in military contexts.

Example Sentence: The delta team was deployed for the operation.

Meaning: A term used in gaming to refer to a strategic point or area to control.

Example Sentence: We need to secure the delta before moving forward.