algebra
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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any special system of notation adapted to the study of a special system of relationship.
algebra of classes.
noun
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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
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the branch of mathematics dealing with more abstract formal structures, such as sets, groups, etc
Other Word Forms
- algebraist noun
- prealgebra noun
Etymology
Origin of algebra
1535–45; < Medieval Latin < Arabic al-jabr literally, restoration
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.
As a 15-year-old in algebra class, he wrote the song “Kryptonite,” drumming out the beat on his desk.
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 7, 2026
Roughly one in eight freshmen lack rudimentary high-school math skills, defined as geometry, algebra and algebra 2.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 30, 2025
One key operation in a deep neural network involves the use of linear algebra to perform matrix multiplication, which transforms data as it is passed from layer to layer.
From Science Daily • Dec. 2, 2024
Witnesses said the suspect left an algebra lesson on Wednesday morning only to return later and try to re-enter the classroom.
From BBC • Sep. 5, 2024
No longer were the Western art of geometry and the Eastern art of algebra separate domains.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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.
