'Del' is the directional derivative operator from
vector calculus. It is represented by an upside-down 'delta' like so: ∇.
In cartesian coordinates in three dimensions,
∇ = (i ∂/∂x + j ∂/∂y + k ∂/∂k)
where i, j, and k are the unit vectors in the x, y, and z directions respectively, and ∂/∂w is the partial derivative with respect to w.
Del operates on what is to the right of it. For instance,
∇s = i ∂s/∂x + j ∂s/∂y + k ∂s/∂k, and is called the gradient of s.
As del has components, it acts like a vector, and so the product can be taken with del and a vector. For instance the dot product of del with a vector is called the divergence
∇ • v = ∂s/∂x + ∂s/∂y + ∂s/∂k and this is a scalar quantity.
The cross product of del with a vector is called the curl.
More information on del and its properties and uses is available under vector calculus. Del can also be called 'nabla.'