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.