mathematics

American  

[math-uh-mat-iks] / ˌmæθ əˈmæt ɪks /

noun

1. (used with a singular verb) the systematic treatment of magnitude, relationships between figures and forms, and relations between quantities expressed symbolically.

2. (used with a singular or plural verb) mathematical procedures, operations, or properties.

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mathematics British  

/ ˌmæθəˈmætɪks, ˌmæθˈmæt- /

noun

1. (functioning as singular) a group of related sciences, including algebra, geometry, and calculus, concerned with the study of number, quantity, shape, and space and their interrelationships by using a specialized notation

2. (functioning as singular or plural) mathematical operations and processes involved in the solution of a problem or study of some scientific field

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mathematics Scientific  

/ măth′ə-măt′ĭks /

1. The study of the measurement, relationships, and properties of quantities and sets, using numbers and symbols. Arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus are branches of mathematics.

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mathematics Cultural  

1. The study of numbers, equations, functions, and geometric shapes (see geometry) and their relationships. Some branches of mathematics are characterized by use of strict proofs based on axioms. Some of its major subdivisions are arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and calculus.

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Etymology

Origin of mathematics

1350–1400; Middle English mathematic < Latin mathēmatica ( ars ) < Greek mathēmatikḕ ( téchnē ) scientific (craft), equivalent to mathēmat- (stem of máthēma ) science, knowledge + -ikē, feminine of -ikos -ic; -ics

Example Sentences

Harnessing this computing power required sophisticated mathematics and software designed specifically for the task.

From Science Daily

Combinations like language and mathematics, or geography and philosophy, can be equally valuable.

From Science Daily

By systematically documenting these plant-based designs and uncovering their mathematical structure, the study provides fresh insight into how early societies perceived nature, organized shared spaces, and demonstrated complex cognitive abilities long before formal mathematics emerged.

From Science Daily

"In other words, is there a physical world where Ramanujan's mathematics appears on its own?"

From Science Daily

“He’s a larger-than-life figure in mathematics,” said Ken Ribet, a former president of the American Mathematical Society.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• algebra
• calculation
• calculus
• geometry
• math