 ##  [Graph Laplacian (Combinatorial Laplacian)](/graph-laplacian-combinatorial-laplacian) 

  ##  [Graph Laplacian (Combinatorial Laplacian)](https://natural.quantumdictionary.io/graph-laplacian-combinatorial-laplacian-0) 

  

 [![Natural & Formal Sciences Dictionary](/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2026-01/Natural%20%26%20Formal%20Sciences.png.webp?itok=2kCDRVQv)](/topic-specific-dictionaries/natural-formal-sciences)



**Natural &amp; Formal Sciences Dictionary**

 







 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Definition

A linear operator on functions defined on the vertices of a graph, typically given by L = D − A where D is the diagonal degree matrix and A the adjacency matrix; it encodes discrete diffusion and local smoothness on the graph.