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
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Expressions and Equations
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Words Whose Pronunciation Has Changed Over Time
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
See Examples For:
Their product, I CAN Learn, was an interactive, computer-based algebra program.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 23, 2026
Despite leaving school at a young age and initially finding terms like "decimals" and "algebra" intimidating, Mr Elsom is said to have quite a talent for working with figures.
From BBC ● Aug. 11, 2025
Chiang’s storytelling is rooted in age-old tropes and references — the Old Testament, golems, Victoriana, high school algebra.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 14, 2025
Feynman even helped him with his algebra homework, he recalled.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 16, 2025
It's amazing what you can find to argue about when it comes to algebra.
From "You Bring the Distant Near" by Mitali Perkins
One result, now known as the Jones index theorem, showed that when these algebras are nested within one another, their relative sizes conform to precise but enigmatic numerical ratios.
From Nature ● Sep. 28, 2020
Jones’s main focus continued to be Von Neumann algebras and their connections to other fields.
From Nature ● Sep. 28, 2020
By the 1970s, Connes had made strides towards a complete classification of particular systems of operators known as Von Neumann algebras.
From Nature ● Sep. 28, 2020
Meanwhile, Gell-Mann continued pursuing the theory of quarks, refining his ideas about current algebras.
From Scientific American ● Jun. 6, 2019
Somehow he had known his boys better when they had all muddled together as one family, and algebras lay strewn upon the drawing room chairs.
From The Longest Journey by Forster, E. M. (Edward Morgan)
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.
