algebra

[al-juh-bruh]

noun

1. the branch of mathematics that deals with general statements of relations, utilizing letters and other symbols to represent specific sets of numbers, values, vectors, etc., in the description of such relations.

2. any of several algebraic systems, especially a ring in which elements can be multiplied by real or complex numbers linear algebra as well as by other elements of the ring.

3. any special system of notation adapted to the study of a special system of relationship.

   algebra of classes.

algebra

/ ˌældʒɪˈbreɪɪst, ˈældʒɪbrə /

noun

1. a branch of mathematics in which arithmetical operations and relationships are generalized by using alphabetic symbols to represent unknown numbers or members of specified sets of numbers

2. the branch of mathematics dealing with more abstract formal structures, such as sets, groups, etc

algebra

1. A branch of mathematics in which symbols, usually letters of the alphabet, represent numbers or quantities and express general relationships that hold for all members of a specified set.

Other Word Forms

• algebraist noun
• prealgebra noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of algebra¹

1535–45; < Medieval Latin < Arabic al-jabr literally, restoration

Word History and Origins

Origin of algebra¹

C14: from Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr the bone-setting, reunification, mathematical reduction

Example Sentences

Despite leaving school at a young age and initially finding terms like "decimals" and "algebra" intimidating, Mr Elsom is said to have quite a talent for working with figures.

From BBC

Teaching mild to moderate special education students algebra and trying to make that entertaining was a lot harder than performing at a comedy club.

From Los Angeles Times

Chiang’s storytelling is rooted in age-old tropes and references — the Old Testament, golems, Victoriana, high school algebra.

From Los Angeles Times

Feynman even helped him with his algebra homework, he recalled.

From Los Angeles Times

One key operation in a deep neural network involves the use of linear algebra to perform matrix multiplication, which transforms data as it is passed from layer to layer.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• calculation 
• calculus 
• geometry 
• math