Cartesian

[ kahr-tee-zhuhn ]

adjective
  1. of or relating to Descartes, his mathematical methods, or his philosophy, especially with regard to its emphasis on logical analysis and its mechanistic interpretation of physical nature.

noun
  1. a follower of Cartesian thought.

Origin of Cartesian

1
1650–60; <New Latin Cartesiānus, equivalent to Cartesi(us) (Latinization of Descartes) + -ānus-an

Other words from Cartesian

  • Carte·sian·ism, noun
  • post-Car·te·sian, adjective

Words Nearby Cartesian

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How to use Cartesian in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for Cartesian

Cartesian

/ (kɑːˈtiːzɪən, -ʒjən) /


adjective
  1. of or relating to the works of René Descartes

  2. of, relating to, or used in Descartes' mathematical system: Cartesian coordinates

  1. of, relating to, or derived from Descartes' philosophy, esp his contentions that personal identity consists in the continued existence of a unique mind and that the mind and body are connected causally: See also dualism (def. 2)

noun
  1. a follower of the teachings and methods of Descartes

Derived forms of Cartesian

  • Cartesianism, noun

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