Adjacent Words

Algebra definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

AL'GEBRA, n. [Ar. the reduction of parts to a whole, or fractions to whole numbers from the verb, which signifies to consolidate; Heb. to be strong.]
The science of quantity in general, or universal arithmetic. Algebra is a general method computation, in which signs and symbols, which are commonly the letters of the alphabet, are made to represent numbers and quantities. It takes an known quantity sought, as if granted; and, by means of one or more quantities given, proceeds till the quantity supposed is discovered, by some other known quantity to which it is equal.
This science was of Oriental discovery; but whether among the Arabians or Indians, is uncertain.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: the mathematics of generalized arithmetical operations

Merriam Webster's

noun Etymology: Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr, literally, the reduction Date: 1551 1. a generalization of arithmetic in which letters representing numbers are combined according to the rules of arithmetic 2. any of various systems or branches of mathematics or logic concerned with the properties and relationships of abstract entities (as complex numbers, matrices, sets, vectors, groups, rings, or fields) manipulated in symbolic form under operations often analogous to those of arithmetic — compare Boolean algebra • algebraist noun

Oxford Reference Dictionary

n. 1 the branch of mathematics that uses letters and other general symbols to represent numbers and quantities in formulae and equations. 2 a system of this based on given axioms (linear algebra; the algebra of logic). Derivatives: algebraic adj. algebraical adj. algebraically adv. algebraist n. Etymology: It. & Sp. & med.L, f. Arab. al-jabr f. al the + jabr reunion of broken parts f. jabara reunite

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Algebra Al"ge*bra, n. [LL. algebra, fr. Ar. al-jebr reduction of parts to a whole, or fractions to whole numbers, fr. jabara to bind together, consolidate; al-jebr w'almuq[=a]balah reduction and comparison (by equations): cf. F. alg[`e]bre, It. & Sp. algebra.] 1. (Math.) That branch of mathematics which treats of the relations and properties of quantity by means of letters and other symbols. It is applicable to those relations that are true of every kind of magnitude. 2. A treatise on this science.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Mathematics Math`e*mat"ics, n. [F. math['e]matiques, pl., L. mathematica, sing., Gr. ? (sc. ?) science. See Mathematic, and -ics.] That science, or class of sciences, which treats of the exact relations existing between quantities or magnitudes, and of the methods by which, in accordance with these relations, quantities sought are deducible from other quantities known or supposed; the science of spatial and quantitative relations. Note: Mathematics embraces three departments, namely: 1. Arithmetic. 2. Geometry, including Trigonometry and Conic Sections. 3. Analysis, in which letters are used, including Algebra, Analytical Geometry, and Calculus. Each of these divisions is divided into pure or abstract, which considers magnitude or quantity abstractly, without relation to matter; and mixed or applied, which treats of magnitude as subsisting in material bodies, and is consequently interwoven with physical considerations.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

Algebra is a type of mathematics in which letters are used to represent possible quantities.

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

n. Analysis (by means of letters and other symbols), calculus, analytics.