Mathematics

Pronunciation

• IPA: /mæθ(É™)ˈmætɨks/

Alternative forms

• mathematicks obsolete

Origin

From Latin mathēmatica ("mathematics"), from Ancient Greek μαθηματικός (mathematikos, "fond of learning"), from μάθημα (máthema, "knowledge, study, learning").

Full definition of mathematics

Noun

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 8In many cases, the mathematics involved are deep and complicated.
• 2002, Ian Stewart, Does God Play Dice?: The New Mathematics of Chaos, page 38The 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

Before the beginning of the 20th century, it was proper to say "My mathematics are not very good".

Synonyms

• (ability to use mathematics) numeracy
• abbreviation: maths UK, math US

Derived terms

• applied mathematics
• astromathematics
• biomathematics
• discrete mathematics
• ethnomathematics
• metamathematics
• pseudomathematics
• pure mathematics
• recreational mathematics

Related terms

• mathematical
• mathematically
• mathematician