mathematical
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or of the nature of mathematics.
mathematical truth.
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employed in the operations of mathematics.
mathematical instruments.
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having the exactness, precision, or certainty of mathematics.
- Synonyms:
- rigorous, meticulous, precise, exact
adjective
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of, used in, or relating to mathematics
-
characterized by or using the precision of mathematics; exact
-
using, determined by, or in accordance with the principles of mathematics
Other Word Forms
- mathematically adverb
- nonmathematic adjective
- nonmathematical adjective
- nonmathematically adverb
- semimathematical adjective
- semimathematically adverb
- supermathematical adjective
- supermathematically adverb
- unmathematical adjective
- unmathematically adverb
Etymology
Origin of mathematical
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin mathēmatic ( us ) pertaining to mathematics + -al 1
Explanation
Anything mathematical has to do with the science of numbers and shapes, or is as precise and exact as a mathematical calculation. If you weigh your new puppy's food on a digital scale each morning, you can say you're feeding her with mathematical precision. And when you work on problems in algebra class, you're most likely using mathematical formulas to solve them. Mathematical is derived from the Greek mathēmatike tekhnē, "mathematical science," and its root, which means "to learn."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Using detailed mathematical calculations and computer simulations, the researchers showed that these effects can dramatically reshape planetary systems.
From Science Daily • Apr. 19, 2026
My creators didn't play God; they set up a mathematical garden and were surprised by what grew.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026
It’s a no-brainer from a mathematical standpoint: Take the deal.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026
Using mathematical analysis, they tracked how the influence of each layer moves through the circuit.
From Science Daily • Apr. 6, 2026
Trig looms in my life like a mathematical predatory beast.
From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
