mathematics

[ math-uh-mat-iks ]

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the systematic treatment of magnitude, relationships between figures and forms, and relations between quantities expressed symbolically.
2. (used with a singular or plural verb) mathematical procedures, operations, or properties.

mathematics

/ ˌmæθəˈmætɪks; ˌmæθˈmæt- /

noun

1. functioning as singular a group of related sciences, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, concerned with the study of number, quantity, shape, and space and their interrelationships by using a specialized notation
2. functioning as singular or plural mathematical operations and processes involved in the solution of a problem or study of some scientific field

mathematics

/ măth′ə-măt′ĭks /

1. The study of the measurement, relationships, and properties of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus are branches of mathematics.

mathematics

1. The study of numbers, equations , functions , and geometric shapes ( see geometry ) and their relationships. Some branches of mathematics are characterized by use of strict proofs based on axioms . Some of its major subdivisions are arithmetic, algebra , geometry , and calculus .

Word History and Origins

Origin of mathematics¹

1350–1400; Middle English mathematic < Latin mathēmatica ( ars ) < Greek mathēmatikḕ ( téchnē ) scientific (craft), equivalent to mathēmat- (stem of máthēma ) science, knowledge + -ikē, feminine of -ikos -ic; -ics

Word History and Origins

Origin of mathematics¹

C14: mathematik (n), via Latin from Greek (adj), from mathēma a science, mathēmatikos (adj); related to manthanein to learn

Example Sentences

“It’s a simple game mechanism — people just trying to find patterns together — but the visuals of it, with things on your head and lights changing colors, it does it all. It creates a connection. It creates laughter. You can think about mathematics and patterns. This, to me, is improvisational choreography.”

From Los Angeles Times

“Our study completes the work of Albert Einstein in his attempt to relate gravity and electromagnetism forces in the same geometric theory,” Monjo, a professor of mathematics at Saint Louis University in Spain, told Salon.

From Salon

Working with Dr. Rutwig Campoamor-Stursberg and mathematics colleague Álvaro Rodríguez Abella, Monjo performed extensive algebraic and other mathematical calculations — much of it drawing from existing research on theoretical physics — in order to arrive at their conclusions.

From Salon

“It is just the mathematics of it,” he says.

From BBC

A 17-year-old girl in China hailed as a genius in a mathematics contest cheated, competition organisers have said - ending months of scepticism over her stellar results.

From BBC

Related Words

• algebra
• calculation
• calculus
• geometry
• math