arithmetic

American  

[uh-rith-muh-tik, ar-ith-met-ik] / əˈrɪθ mə tɪk, ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk /

noun

1. the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.

2. Also called theoretical arithmetic.  Also called higher arithmetic,.  the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.

3. a book on this subject.

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adjective

1. Also arithmetical. of or relating to arithmetic.

arithmetic British  

/ əˈrɪθmətɪk /

noun

1. the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

2. one or more calculations involving numerical operations

3. knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic

   his arithmetic is good

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or using arithmetic

arithmetic Scientific  

/ ə-rĭth′mĭ-tĭk /

1. The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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Other Word Forms

• arithmetically adverb
• arithmetician noun
• nonarithmetic adjective
• nonarithmetical adjective
• nonarithmetically adverb
• unarithmetical adjective
• unarithmetically adverb

Etymology

Origin of arithmetic

1200–50; < Latin arithmētica, feminine singular of arithmēticus < Greek arithmētikḗ ( téchnē ) (art, skill) of numbers, equivalent to arithmé ( ein ) to reckon + -t ( o )- verbal adjective + -ikḗ -ic; replacing Middle English arsmet ( r ) ike < Old French arismetique < Medieval Latin arismētica, with s for Late Greek th

Example Sentences

As a matter of simple arithmetic, that is far too small a sample to rule out my hypothesis if we take Pangram’s other claims at face value.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

The basic arithmetic itself is subject to cavils resulting from the murkiness of some of the cost calculations and projections.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 25, 2026

In financial market arithmetic, a higher risk-free interest rate lowers the present value of future profits, the most basic component of stock prices, and holds down gains for broader indexes as a result.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

“If the Strait remains impaired for weeks, the inflationary arithmetic could start looking more uncomfortable.”

From MarketWatch • Mar. 2, 2026

But Miss Honey was determined to have her say and she now began to describe some of the amazing things Matilda had done with arithmetic.

From "Matilda" by Roald Dahl

Related Words

• calculation
• computation