partial sum

noun

, Mathematics.

1. one of a series of sums of elements of a given sequence, the first sum being the first element, the second sum being the first element added to the second element, the third sum being equal to the sum of the first three elements, and so on.

Word History and Origins

Origin of partial sum¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Just as Achilles’ sub-races are each finite, each partial sum in a limit is finite.

From Literature

Only three of the eight workers actually got their money: one full-time staff employee got paid through HR channels, while another gig worker received a partial sum after weeks of haggling.

From The Verge

A quarter get a partial sum and 10 percent get nothing.

From New York Times