arithmetic
[ noun uh-rith-muh-tik; adjective ar-ith-met-ik ]
/ noun əˈrɪθ mə tɪk; adjective ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk /
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noun
the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.
Also called higher arithmetic, theoretical arithmetic. the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.
a book on this subject.
adjective ar·ith·met·ic [ar-ith-met-ik] /ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk/
Also ar·ith·met·i·cal. of or relating to arithmetic.
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Origin of arithmetic
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
OTHER WORDS FROM arithmetic
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use arithmetic in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for arithmetic
arithmetic
/ (əˈrɪθmətɪk) /
noun
the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
one or more calculations involving numerical operations
knowledge of or skill in using arithmetichis arithmetic is good
adjective (ˌærɪθˈmɛtɪk) ˌarith'metical
of, relating to, or using arithmetic
Derived forms of arithmetic
arithmetically, adverbarithmetician, nounWord Origin for arithmetic
C13: from Latin arithmētica, from Greek arithmētikē, from arithmein to count, from arithmos number
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Scientific definitions for arithmetic
arithmetic
[ ə-rĭth′mĭ-tĭk ]
The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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