mathematical
Americanadjective
-
of, relating to, or of the nature of mathematics.
mathematical truth.
-
employed in the operations of mathematics.
mathematical instruments.
-
having the exactness, precision, or certainty of mathematics.
- Synonyms:
- rigorous, meticulous, precise, exact
adjective
-
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
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.
Huawei said Wednesday that its AI system "Celia" had shown "comprehensive problem-solving capabilities" across several mathematical fields.
From Barron's ● Jul. 23, 2026
To investigate the idea, Dr. Noble and his colleagues adapted mathematical tools normally used to study how plants and animals evolve under environmental pressures, such as climate change.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026
So analysts at a geopolitical advisory firm have created a mathematical formula, using Trump’s well known sensitivity to financial-market moves.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 22, 2026
The Marcus Theory, as it came to be known, provides a mathematical way to determine how fast or slow, or in what direction, electrons jump between molecules without breaking chemical bonds.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 17, 2026
Entry to the inner redoubt requires one to pass through the mathematical sciences, with Tartaglia himself standing among them; within is Philosophy, accompanied by Aristotle and Plato.
From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton
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.
