mathematical
Americanadjective
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of, relating to, or of the nature of mathematics.
mathematical truth.
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employed in the operations of mathematics.
mathematical instruments.
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having the exactness, precision, or certainty of mathematics.
- Synonyms:
- rigorous, meticulous, precise, exact
adjective
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of, used in, or relating to mathematics
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characterized by or using the precision of mathematics; exact
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using, determined by, or in accordance with the principles of mathematics
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of mathematical
1400–50; late Middle English < Latin mathēmatic ( us ) pertaining to mathematics + -al 1
Explanation
Anything mathematical has to do with the science of numbers and shapes, or is as precise and exact as a mathematical calculation. If you weigh your new puppy's food on a digital scale each morning, you can say you're feeding her with mathematical precision. And when you work on problems in algebra class, you're most likely using mathematical formulas to solve them. Mathematical is derived from the Greek mathēmatike tekhnē, "mathematical science," and its root, which means "to learn."
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.
The researchers arrived at this result by exploring properties of Einstein's equations that are not obvious in their usual mathematical form.
From Science Daily ● Nov. 8, 2026
Yet he believes the fundamental mathematical assumption that holds up his entire field—that there really are hard problems that will never be solved by a shortcut—will stand the test of time.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 6, 2026
If this were a purely mathematical equation, spending so much on a rapidly depreciating asset might raise an eyebrow.
From MarketWatch ● Nov. 4, 2026
"In the face of vulnerability, the state's response must not be reduced to a mathematical equation," it said.
From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026
Indeed, the Pythagoreans had tried to squelch another troublesome mathematical concept—the irrational.
From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
