algebra
Americannoun
-
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.
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
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.
“I wish they’d taught me something useful at school, like Sphinx, instead of all that algebra.”
From Literature
“What are you going to do, attack Hitler with algebra?”
From Literature
While their Catalina and Sequoia sites are certainly breathtaking, Josepho — which is just minutes from the city — was an accessible haven from the hustle and bustle of algebra tests, essay deadlines and school drama.
From Los Angeles Times
Roughly one in eight freshmen lack rudimentary high-school math skills, defined as geometry, algebra and algebra 2.
“And this is Teresa. We go to Red Knot together. Told you I always see people from school. Teresa’s in the theater club. We had algebra together.”
From Literature
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.
