arithmetic
[ noun uh-rith-muh-tik; adjective ar-ith-met-ik ]
/ noun əˈrɪθ mə tɪk; adjective ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk /
noun
the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.
Also called higher arithmetic, theoretical arithmetic.
the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.
a book on this subject.
adjective ar·ith·met·ic [ar-ith-met-ik] /ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk/
Also ar·ith·met·i·cal.
of or relating to arithmetic.
Origin of arithmetic
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
OTHER WORDS FROM arithmetic
Words nearby arithmetic
Example sentences from the Web for arithmetic
British Dictionary definitions for arithmetic
arithmetic
/ (əˈrɪθmətɪk) /
noun
the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division
one or more calculations involving numerical operations
knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic
his arithmetic is good
adjective (ˌærɪθˈmɛtɪk) ˌarith'metical
of, relating to, or using arithmetic
Derived forms of arithmetic
arithmetically, adverb arithmetician, nounWord Origin for arithmetic
C13: from Latin
arithmētica, from Greek
arithmētikē, from
arithmein to count, from
arithmos number
Scientific definitions for arithmetic
arithmetic
[ ə-rĭth′mĭ-tĭk ]
The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.