arithmetic

[uh-rith-muh-tik, ar-ith-met-ik]

noun

1. the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.

2. Also called theoretical arithmetic. Also called higher arithmetic,. the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.

3. a book on this subject.

adjective

1. Also arithmetical. of or relating to arithmetic.

arithmetic

/ əˈrɪθmətɪk /

noun

1. the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

2. one or more calculations involving numerical operations

3. knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic

   his arithmetic is good

adjective

1. of, relating to, or using arithmetic

arithmetic

1. The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Other Word Forms

• arithmetically adverb
• nonarithmetic adjective
• nonarithmetical adjective
• nonarithmetically adverb
• unarithmetical adjective
• unarithmetically adverb
• arithmetician noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of arithmetic¹

1200–50; < Latin arithmētica, feminine singular of arithmēticus < Greek arithmētikḗ ( téchnē ) (art, skill) of numbers, equivalent to arithmé ( ein ) to reckon + -t ( o )- verbal adjective + -ikḗ -ic; replacing Middle English arsmet ( r ) ike < Old French arismetique < Medieval Latin arismētica, with s for Late Greek th

Word History and Origins

Origin of arithmetic¹

C13: from Latin arithmētica, from Greek arithmētikē, from arithmein to count, from arithmos number

Example Sentences

“The outlook for the next two years is, at its core, a matter of basic arithmetic,” she wrote.

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“The outlook for the next two years is, at its core, a matter of basic arithmetic,” she wrote.

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Spending all that cash on AI infrastructure is, by itself, a key concern for investors worried about the financial arithmetic of the world’s hottest new technology.

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And with the Federal Reserve now likely to wait until January to resume its interest-rate easing, the arithmetic of the AI investment trade needed a rethink.

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And with the Federal Reserve now likely to wait until January to resume its interest-rate easing, the arithmetic of the AI investment trade needed a rethink.

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Related Words

• calculation 
• computation