partial sum

noun Mathematics.

one of a series of sums of elements of a given sequence, the first sum being the first element, the second sum being the first element added to the second element, the third sum being equal to the sum of the first three elements, and so on.

What Is The Difference Between “Partly” And “Partially”?Generally, the words may be used interchangeably to refer to some amount or degree that is less than the whole. For example, you can say: She is partly responsible for their fighting. / She is partially responsible for their fighting. However, partially may imply favoritism because it is related to ‘partial’ and does have the archaic sense ‘in a biased manner’. To avoid ambiguity when describing favoritism, say: He is ‘partial’ …

Nearby words

partial ordering, partial pressure, partial product, partial reinforcement, partial seizure, partial sum, partial tone, partial vacuum, partial volume, partial-birth abortion, partial-thickness flap

Origin of partial sum

First recorded in 1925–30