This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
surd
[ surd ]
/ sɜrd /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
adjective
Phonetics. voiceless (opposed to sonant).
Mathematics. (of a quantity) not capable of being expressed in rational numbers; irrational.
noun
Phonetics. a voiceless consonant (opposed to sonant).
Mathematics. a surd quantity.
QUIZ
WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?
Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!
Question 1 of 7
Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.
Origin of surd
First recorded in 1545–55, surd is from the Latin word surdus dull-sounding, mute, deaf
Words nearby surd
surcease, surcharge, surcingle, surcoat, surculose, surd, sure, sure as shooting, sure cure, sure-enough, surefire
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use surd in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for surd
surd
/ (sɜːd) /
noun
maths an expression containing one or more irrational roots of numbers, such as 2√3 + 3√2 + 6
phonetics a voiceless consonant, such as (t)
adjective
of or relating to a surd
Word Origin for surd
C16: from Latin surdus muffled
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