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Webster 1913 Edition

Mathematics

Mathˊe-mat′ics

,
Noun.
[F.
mathématiques
, pl., L.
mathematica
, sing., Gr. [GREEK] (sc. [GREEK]) 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.
☞ 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.

Webster 1828 Edition

Mathematics

MATHEMAT'ICS

,
Noun.
[L. mathematica, from Gr. to learn.] The science of quantity; the science which treats of magnitude and number, or of whatever can be measured or numbered. This science is divided into pure or speculative, which considers quantity abstractly, without relation to matter; and mixed, which treats of magnitude as subsisting in material bodies, and is consequently interwoven with physical considerations. It is the peculiar excellence of mathematics, that its principles are demonstrable. Arithmetic, geometry, algebra, trigonometry, and conic sections, are branches of mathematics.

Definition 2024

mathematics

mathematics

English

Alternative forms

Noun

mathematics ‎(uncountable)

  1. An abstract representational system used in the study of numbers, shapes, structure, change and the relationships between these concepts.
    • 2001, David Salsburg, The Lady Tasting Tea: How Statistics Revolutionized Science in the Twentieth Century, page 8
      In many cases, the mathematics involved are deep and complicated.
    • 2002, Ian Stewart, Does God Play Dice?: The New Mathematics of Chaos, page 38
      The answer is 'yes', and the mathematics needed is the theory of probability and its applied cousin, statistics.
  2. A person's ability to count, calculate, and use different systems of mathematics at differing levels.
    My mathematics is not very good.
    Their mathematics are not very good.
    Their mathematics is not very good.

Usage notes

  • Mathematics was previously seen as a plural, but this usage is obsolete.
    • "… Artificers, to whom the Practical Mathematics are of great and immediate Uſe." A System of Practical Mathematics - John Potter, 1753
    • "Mathematics are based on arithmatic[sic], algebra and geometry, and are either pure or mixed." - The teacher's assistant in the "Course of mathematics adapted to the method of instruction in the American colleges - Jeremiah Day, 1836
    • "Now the mathematics are peculiarly well adapted for this purpose, … " - Library of Useful Knowledge - Mathematics - Baldwin and Cradock, London, 1836
    • "Mathematics are also distinguished into Theoretical, or Speculative, and Practical, …" A new and easy Introduction to the Mathematics - Ira Wanzer, 1831

Synonyms

  • (ability to use mathematics): numeracy
  • abbreviation: maths (UK, Australia), math (US, Canada)
  • See also Wikisaurus:mathematics

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

See also

Etymology

From Old French mathematique, from Latin mathēmatica ‎(“mathematics”), from Ancient Greek μαθηματικός ‎(mathēmatikós, “fond of learning”), from μάθημα ‎(máthēma, “knowledge, study, learning”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /mæθ(ə)ˈmætɨks/

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