metamathematics

[ met-uh-math-uh-mat-iks ]

noun

, (used with a singular verb)

1. the logical analysis of the fundamental concepts of mathematics, as number, function, etc.

metamathematics

/ ˌmɛtəˌmæθɪˈmætɪks /

noun

1. functioning as singular the logical analysis of the reasoning, principles, and rules that control the use and combination of mathematical symbols, numbers, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌmetaˌmatheˈmatical, adjective
• ˌmetaˌmathemaˈtician, noun

Other Words From

• meta·mathe·mati·cal adjective
• met·a·math·e·ma·ti·cian [met-, uh, -math-, uh, -m, uh, -, tish, -, uh, n], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of metamathematics¹

First recorded in 1885–90; meta- + mathematics

Example Sentences

Soon it dawned on a few insightful souls, Godel foremost among them, that this way of looking at things opened up a brand-new branch of mathematics--namely, metamathematics.

From Time Magazine Archive