# How to understand and pronounce general distribution notation (e.g., $f(.)$)?

I've recently read some examples where the author describes a general distribution $f(.)$. It is in the context of describing the distribution of parameters for another function where the parameters of the function and presumably the possible functions can vary across particular applications.

Thus, I understand that $f(.)$ is in some sense a general notation and the dot seems to serve as a place holder for many possible objects.

However, I still feel like my understanding is a little fuzzy.

Thus, my questions are:

• How do you pronounce $f(.)$?
• Can you refer me to, or provide me with, a general description of this notation?
• Is there anything particular that I should understand when reading and applying this notation in the context of distribution functions?
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I think you mean $f(\cdot)$ instead of $f(.)$. It's just some kind of "syntactic sugar". I does not have a deeper meaning. It is not limited to distributions. –  testito Nov 25 '11 at 3:08
Thanks for the \cdot correction –  mycat Nov 27 '11 at 23:46