Definition of convolution

The term "convolution" originates from the Latin word "convolute", meaning "rolled together" or "whirled around". In mathematics, a convolution is a particular type of mathematical operation on two functions, resulting in a third function. This operation is useful in various fields, such as engineering, physics, and signal processing, where convolution represents the superposition of causes in time or space. The concept of convolution was first introduced in the early 18th century by the French mathematician Jean Le Rond d'Alembert, who used it to study linear differential equations with constant coefficients. Over time, the use of convolution in different branches of mathematics and engineering has expanded significantly, making it a fundamental notion in many practical applications.