algebraic

[ al-juh-brey-ik ]

adjective

1. of, occurring in, or utilizing algebra.
2. Mathematics. of or relating to an element that is the root of a polynomial equation with coefficients from some given field:

    is algebraic over the field of real numbers.

3. using arbitrary letters or symbols in place of the letters, symbols, or numbers of an actual application.

algebraic

/ ˌældʒɪˈbreɪɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to algebra

   an algebraic expression

2. using or relating to finite numbers, operations, or relationships

Derived Forms

• ˌalgeˈbraically, adverb

Other Words From

• alge·brai·cal·ly adverb
• nonal·ge·braic adjective
• nonal·ge·brai·cal adjective
• nonal·ge·brai·cal·ly adverb
• preal·ge·braic adjective
• subal·ge·braic adjective
• subal·ge·brai·cal adjective
• subal·ge·brai·cal·ly adverb
• unal·ge·brai·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of algebraic¹

First recorded in 1655–65; algebra + -ic

Example Sentences

And whether expressed in algebraic logic or ancient Greek hymn, its chorus is the same throughout the universe: Be fruitful and multiply.

From Salon

With all respect, they need human beings to just sit with them and work through fractions and algebraic equations and all the other operations that make math so beautiful and tricky.

From Seattle Times

Intersection theory, one of Larson’s specialties, is a branch of a field called algebraic geometry.

From Scientific American

The ancient Babylonians of Mesopotamia used many different words for unknowns in their algebraic system – typically words meaning length, width, area or volume, even if the problem itself was not geometric in nature.

From Scientific American

But ∛2 belongs to the algebraic numbers, which can be written as solution of a polynomial equation.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• analytical
• numerical
• scientific