definitions

algebra

[ al-juh-bruh ]
/ ˈæl dʒə brə /
|
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR algebra ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the branch of mathematics that deals with general statements of relations, utilizing letters and other symbols to represent specific sets of numbers, values, vectors, etc., in the description of such relations.
any of several algebraic systems, especially a ring in which elements can be multiplied by real or complex numbers (linear algebra) as well as by other elements of the ring.
any special system of notation adapted to the study of a special system of relationship: algebra of classes.

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RELATED WORDS

calculation, calculus, geometry, math, division, addition, multiplication, subtraction, numbers, trigonometry

Nearby words

algae, algar, algaroth powder, algarroba, algarve, algebra, algebra of sets, algebraic, algebraic equation, algebraic expression, algebraic extension

Origin of algebra

1535–45; < Medieval Latin < Arabic al-jabr literally, restoration

Related forms

pre·al·ge·bra, noun, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for algebra

British Dictionary definitions for algebra

algebra

/ (ˈældʒɪbrə) /

noun

a branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and relationships are generalized by using alphabetic symbols to represent unknown numbers or members of specified sets of numbers
the branch of mathematics dealing with more abstract formal structures, such as sets, groups, etc

Derived Forms

algebraist (ˌældʒɪˈbreɪɪst), noun

Word Origin for algebra

C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr the bone-setting, reunification, mathematical reduction
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Science definitions for algebra

algebra

[ ăl′jə-brə ]

A branch of mathematics in which symbols, usually letters of the alphabet, represent numbers or quantities and express general relationships that hold for all members of a specified set.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Culture definitions for algebra

algebra

A branch of mathematics marked chiefly by the use of symbols (see also symbol) to represent numbers, as in the use of a2 + b2 = c2 to express the Pythagorean theorem.

The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.