Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Sum
Sum
,Noun.
1.
The aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes, quantities, or particulars; the amount or whole of any number of individuals or particulars added together;
as, the
. sum
of 5 and 7 is 12Take ye the
sum
of all the congregation. Num. i. 2.
☞ Sum is now commonly applied to an aggregate of numbers, and number to an aggregate of persons or things.
2.
A quantity of money or currency; any amount, indefinitely;
“The sum of forty pound.” as, a
. sum
of money; a small sum
, or a large sum
Chaucer.
With a great
sum
obtained I this freedom. Acts xxii. 28.
3.
The principal points or thoughts when viewed together; the amount; the substance; compendium;
as, this is the
. sum
of all the evidence in the case; this is the sum
and substance of his objections4.
Height; completion; utmost degree.
Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought
My story to the
My story to the
sum
of earthly bliss. Milton.
5.
(Arith.)
A problem to be solved, or an example to be wrought out.
Macaulay.
A
sum
in arithmetic wherein a flaw discovered at a particular point is ipso facto
fatal to the whole. Gladstone.
A large sheet of paper . . . covered with long
sums
. Dickens.
Algebraic sum
, as distinguished from arithmetical sum, the aggregate of two or more numbers or quantities taken with regard to their signs, as + or -, according to the rules of addition in algebra; thus, the algebraic sum of -2, 8, and -1 is 5.
– In sum
, in short; in brief.
[Obs.]
“In sum, the gospel . . . prescribes every virtue to our conduct, and forbids every sin.” Rogers.
Sum
,Verb.
T.
[
imp. & p. p.
Summed
; p. pr. & vb. n.
Summing
.] [Cf. F.
sommer
, LL. summare
.] 1.
To bring together into one whole; to collect into one amount; to cast up, as a column of figures; to ascertain the totality of; – usually with up.
The mind doth value every moment, and then the hour doth rather
sum
up the moments, than divide the day. Bacon.
2.
To bring or collect into a small compass; to comprise in a few words; to condense; – usually with up.
“Go to the ant, thou sluggard,” in few words
sums
up the moral of this fable. L’Estrange.
He
sums
their virtues in himself alone. Dryden.
3.
(Falconry)
To have (the feathers) full grown; to furnish with complete, or full-grown, plumage.
But feathered soon and fledge
They
They
summed
their pens [wings]. Milton.
Summing up
, a compendium or abridgment; a recapitulation; a résumé; a summary.
Syn. – To cast up; collect; comprise; condense; comprehend; compute.
Webster 1828 Edition
Sum
SUM
,Noun.
1.
The aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes, quantities or particulars; the amount or whole of any number of individuals or particulars added. The sum of 5 and 7 is 12. How precious are thy thoughts to me, O God! how great is the sum of them! Ps.139.
Take the sum of all the congregation. Num.1.
[Sum is now applied more generally to numbers, and number to persons.]
2.
A quantity of money or currency; any amount indefinitely. I sent him a sum of money, a small sum, or a large sum. I received a large sum in bank notes.3.
Compendium; abridgment; the amount; the substance. This is the sum of all the evidence in the case. This is the sum and substance of all his objections. The sum of all I have said is this. The phrase, in sum, is obsolete or nearly so.
In sum, the gospel considered as a law, prescribes every virtue to our conduct, and forbids every sin.
4.
Highth; completion. Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought
My story to the sum of earthly bliss.
SUM
,Verb.
T.
The hour doth rather sum up the moments, than divide the day.
1.
To bring or collect into a small compass; to comprise in a few words; to condense. He summed up his arguments at the close of his speech, with great force and effect. 'Go to the ant, thou sluggard,' in few words,sums up the moral of this fable.
2.
In falconry, to have feathers full grown. With prosperous wing full summ'd. [Unusual.]