Convolve

/kənˈvɑlv/ verb

Definition

To roll together; to twist or coil; in mathematics, to perform a convolution operation on two functions or data sets.

Etymology

From Latin convolvere (to roll together), combining con- (together) and volvere (to roll). The mathematical meaning developed in the 20th century as convolution became a key operation in signal processing and analysis.

Kelly Says

Mathematicians 'convolve' functions to blend them together—it's the operation that lets cameras blur an image or sharpen a photo. Every Snapchat filter uses convolution to tweak how light gets processed!

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