Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Algebra
Al′ge-bra
,Noun.
[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’almuqābalah
reduction and comparison (by equations): cf. F. algèbre
, 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 1828 Edition
Algebra
AL'GEBRA
,Noun.
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.
Definition 2024
álgebra
álgebra
Spanish
Etymology
From Arabic الجبر (al-jabr) “reunion”, “resetting of broken parts”, used in the title of al-Khwarizmi’s influential work علم الجبر والمقابلَة (ilm al-jabr wa’l-muqābala), “the science of restoration and equating like with like”
Noun
álgebra f (plural álgebras)
Derived terms
Usage notes
- The feminine noun álgebra is like other feminine nouns starting with a stressed a sound in that it takes the definite article el (normally reserved for masculine nouns) in the singular when there is no intervening adjective:
- However, if an adjective intervenes between the article and the noun, the article reverts to la.