algebra

noun

(uncountable, mathematics) Elementary algebra: A system for representing and manipulating unknown quantities (variables) in equations.

(uncountable, mathematics, sometimes capitalized) Abstract algebra: A broad field of study in modern mathematics (often mentioned alongside analysis) loosely characterized by its concern for abstraction and symmetry, dealing with the behavior, classification, and application of a large class of objects (called algebraic structures) and the maps between them (called, most generally, morphisms).

(countable, mathematics, algebra) Any of several objects of study in Algebra

(figurative) A system or process (especially one that is complex or convoluted) that substitutes one thing for another, or uses signs or symbols to represent concepts or ideas.

(countable, set theory, mathematical analysis) A collection of subsets of a given set, such that this collection contains the empty set, and the collection is closed under unions and complements (and thereby also under intersections and differences).

An algebraic structure consisting of a module over a commutative ring (or a vector space over a field) along with an additional binary operation that is bilinear over module (or vector) addition and scalar multiplication.

A universal algebra.

(uncountable, medicine, historical, rare) The surgical treatment of a dislocated or fractured bone. Also (countable): a dislocation or fracture.

Roots

aljabralgebra- · Arabic · reunion of broken parts

Synonyms & related words for algebra

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Words related to algebra

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Where does algebra come from?

The word algebra breaks down into one root of Arabic origin: the root algebra-, from Arabic aljabr (“reunion of broken parts”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.