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

Example sentences from the Web for arithmetical

British Dictionary definitions for arithmetical

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, noun

Word Origin for arithmetic

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

Scientific definitions for arithmetical

arithmetic
[ ə-rĭthmĭ-tĭk ]

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