For example, how can I get "x \overline{*} y" to parse like "x * y"? I know I can adjust the manual spacing using "\,", but is there a less superficial way?
[Tex/LaTex] How to get a symbol to behave like an infix operator
math-operators
Related Solutions
Use \mathop{\mathbb{E}} to get math operator spacing and limits behaviour. Or \mathop{{}\mathbb{E}} If you want E to remain on the baseline.
Just define a new command for it:
\newcommand{\ca}{{\sim}}
I suggest also to use siunitx, if you have units of measure to typeset in your document: it ensures uniform setting.
\documentclass{article}
\newcommand{\ca}{{\sim}}
\usepackage{siunitx}
\sisetup{input-protect-tokens=\ca,input-symbols=\ca}
\begin{document}
\SI{\ca 4}{eV}
$\ca 4$\,eV
\end{document}
The input might seem more difficult, but it's surely rewarding.
If you load amssymb you can change the definition to
\usepackage{amssymb}
\newcommand{\ca}{{\thicksim}}
and the result would be
Best Answer