algebra

[ al-juh-bruh ]

noun

1. the branch of mathematics that deals with general statements of relations, utilizing letters and other symbols to represent specific sets of numbers, values, vectors, etc., in the description of such relations.
2. any of several algebraic systems, especially a ring in which elements can be multiplied by real or complex numbers linear algebra as well as by other elements of the ring.
3. any special system of notation adapted to the study of a special system of relationship:

   algebra of classes.

algebra

/ ˈældʒɪbrə; ˌældʒɪˈbreɪɪst /

noun

1. a branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and relationships are generalized by using alphabetic symbols to represent unknown numbers or members of specified sets of numbers
2. the branch of mathematics dealing with more abstract formal structures, such as sets, groups, etc

algebra

/ ăl′jə-brə /

1. A branch of mathematics in which symbols, usually letters of the alphabet, represent numbers or quantities and express general relationships that hold for all members of a specified set.

Derived Forms

• algebraist, noun

Other Words From

• pre·alge·bra noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of algebra¹

1535–45; < Medieval Latin < Arabic al-jabr literally, restoration

Word History and Origins

Origin of algebra¹

C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr the bone-setting, reunification, mathematical reduction

Example Sentences

The definitions sprawled across many areas of math, from algebra to topology to geometry.

From Quanta Magazine

You could also have worked through a little algebra before plugging anything in.

From FiveThirtyEight

When I was an undergraduate I was really attracted to abstract algebra.

From Quanta Magazine

The simpler objects are arrays of numbers called matrices, the core element of linear algebra.

From Quanta Magazine

Many people see algebra as methods and rules, but you can take any algebraic expression and see it visually.

From Freakonomics

What did those darned Muslims give us other than grammar and algebra?

From The Daily Beast

Nevertheless, it was required, and at least it was more fun than studying algebra or photosynthesis.

From The Daily Beast

That same year Forever 21 was forced to stop selling tops that read “Allergic to Algebra.”

From The Daily Beast

The arc of Hathahate is like one of those U-ish parabolas from algebra class.

From The Daily Beast

To make the algebra work, each day had to have been twenty-two hours in length.

From The Daily Beast

It fell into the three more or less isolated subjects of arithmetic, algebra and Euclid.

From Project Gutenberg

Dinah had left her slate on 10 a chair, and dropped her algebra on the carpet, at the sound of Norahs voice below the window.

From Project Gutenberg

Old Faithful had worked half-way through the algebra and was busy solving simultaneous equations whilst sitting on the War Loan.

From Project Gutenberg

We do not propose that he shall decipher the hieroglyphics of algebra and geometry.

From Project Gutenberg

General Grant never saw an algebra nor any mathematical work until he went to West Point.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calculation
• calculus
• geometry
• math