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
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of algebra
1535–45; < Medieval Latin < Arabic al-jabr literally, restoration
Explanation
If the math equation you're doing has letters or other symbols that stand for numbers, you're likely doing algebra. You probably took your first algebra class early in your high school years. The noun algebra comes from Arabic word al jebr, meaning "reunion of broken parts," which appeared in the title of mathematician al-Khwarizmi's famous book on equations. In algebra you use basic arithmetic like addition and subtraction, but the quantities you're working with are often unknown — that's why they're represented by letters. You might remember solving algebra equations that look like this: a(b + c) = ab + ac. The letters a, b, and c all represent a number.
Vocabulary lists containing algebra
English Words Derived from Arabic
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Expressions and Equations
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Words Whose Pronunciation Has Changed Over Time
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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.
Sixty other boys are repeating a grade at the same academy, The Togethership, where coursework includes throwing mechanics, game film review and nutrition along with traditional subjects such as Algebra and English.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026
That’s the only grade he’s gotten in three years of classes, no matter taking Chemistry, Algebra 2 or Advanced Placement U.S.
From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 24, 2025
If you’re looking for incredible Palestinian food — or just incredible food, period — Algebra Teahouse is a must.
From Salon • Mar. 30, 2025
The band went on to release five top 40 singles in the UK, with their latest album Human Algebra released last year.
From BBC • Jul. 23, 2024
When I ask Dad if he knows anything about Algebra, he shrugs and says he’ll read the Wikipedia page before his first day.
From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller
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.
