arithmetic

[uh-rith-muh-tik, ar-ith-met-ik]

noun

1. the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.

2. Also called theoretical arithmetic. Also called higher arithmetic,. the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.

3. a book on this subject.

adjective

1. Also arithmetical. of or relating to arithmetic.

arithmetic

/ əˈrɪθmətɪk /

noun

1. the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

2. one or more calculations involving numerical operations

3. knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic

   his arithmetic is good

adjective

1. of, relating to, or using arithmetic

arithmetic

1. The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Other Word Forms

• arithmetically adverb
• arithmetician noun
• nonarithmetic adjective
• nonarithmetical adjective
• nonarithmetically adverb
• unarithmetical adjective
• unarithmetically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of arithmetic¹

1200–50; < Latin arithmētica, feminine singular of arithmēticus < Greek arithmētikḗ ( téchnē ) (art, skill) of numbers, equivalent to arithmé ( ein ) to reckon + -t ( o )- verbal adjective + -ikḗ -ic; replacing Middle English arsmet ( r ) ike < Old French arismetique < Medieval Latin arismētica, with s for Late Greek th

Word History and Origins

Origin of arithmetic¹

C13: from Latin arithmētica, from Greek arithmētikē, from arithmein to count, from arithmos number

Example Sentences

So the arithmetic is stark, and it’s not on the Democrats’ side.

From Salon

But the Forest Service is by far the largest employer of wildland firefighters, and it has long used gymnastic arithmetic to paint an optimistic picture of its staffing.

From Salon

Pressed by reporters after his speech, Bayrou said his proposal was "basic arithmetic".

From BBC

Eccles hopes that if political arguments haven't persuaded some of her colleagues to come round to her point of view, then arithmetic might.

From BBC

The arithmetic already takes into account a series of SNP controversies over independence strategy, gender self-identification, a police investigation into party finances, leadership changes and the collapse of a power-sharing deal with the Greens.

From BBC

Related Words

• calculation 
• computation