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

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

Although effective in many situations, these methods can miss the mark when the main objective is to ensure strong alignment between predictions and actual values, says Kim, assistant professor of mathematics.

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It was an escape, and Follett packed it with as much detail as possible, including its own system of mathematics, its own language — Farksoo — and its own alphabet.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

By merging mathematics with biology, researchers are beginning to uncover new layers of insight into one of humanity's oldest mysteries: how existence itself began.

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"They have three days of learning in reading, mathematics and writing, but this is far from a formal education as we know it," he added.

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Born in 1922 in China's eastern Anhui province, he was the oldest of five children and raised on the campus of Tsinghua University where his father was a professor of mathematics.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• algebra 
• calculation 
• calculus 
• geometry 
• math