complex number

noun

a mathematical expression (a + bi) in which a and b are real numbers and i2 = −1.

Origin of complex number

First recorded in 1825–35

Words nearby complex number

complex analysis, complex carbohydrate, complex conjugate, complex fraction, complex ion, complex number, complex odontoma, complex partial seizure, complex plane, complex precipitated epilepsy, complex salt

British Dictionary definitions for complex number

complex number

noun

any number of the form a + i b, where a and b are real numbers and i = √–1 See number (def. 1)

Scientific definitions for complex number

complex number
[ kŏm′plĕks′ ]

A number that can be expressed in terms of i (the square root of -1). Mathematically, such a number can be written a + bi, where a and b are real numbers. An example is 4 + 5i.