arithmetic

[ noun uh-rith-muh-tik; adjective ar-ith-met-ik ]
/ noun əˈrɪθ mə tɪk; adjective ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR arithmetic ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

QUIZZES

CAN YOU FEEL THE WEAL WITH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ?

Did you collect all of last week’s words, but eftsoons forget what they mean? Don’t worry, we’re here to jog your memory. See how many words from the week of May 18 to 24 you can get right!
Question 1 of 7
weal
well-being, prosperity, or happiness.
the intervening time.
a somewhat prolonged, sharp, shrill cry, as of pain, fear, or surprise.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

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

Words nearby arithmetic

aristotle contemplating the bust of homer, aristotle's lantern, aristotype, arith., arithmancy, arithmetic, arithmetic mean, arithmetic progression, arithmetic/logic unit, arithmetician, arius
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to arithmetical

analytical, scientific, numerical, demographic, numeral, measurable, algebraic, algorithmic, computative, geometrical, math, arithmetic, binary, exponent, fraction, fractional, integral, mathematical, statistical, differential

Example sentences from the Web for arithmetical

British Dictionary definitions for arithmetical

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, noun

Word 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for arithmetical

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 Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.