What does "algebra" mean?
Elementary algebra: A system for representing and manipulating unknown quantities (variables) in equations.
Algebra
/ˈæl.d͡ʒɪ.bɹə/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: Elementary algebra: A system for representing and manipulating unknown quantities (variables) in equations.
- Grammar: algebra is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: abstract math, algebra class, algebra course, analysis.
- Useful contrasts: arithmetic, calculus, calculuses.
- Usage evidence: Many pupils are poor at algebra.
How to use "algebra"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "algebra" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
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Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "algebra" in a final draft.
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "algebra" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 Elementary algebra: A system for representing and manipulating unknown quantities (variables) in equations. uncountable
"Also the rule of false position, with dyuers examples not only vulgar, but some appertaynyng to the rule of Algeber."
- 2 the mathematics of generalized arithmetical operations wordnet
- 3 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). capitalized, sometimes, uncountable
- 4 Any of several objects of study in Algebra; A universal algebra. countable, uncountable
- 5 Any of several objects of study in Algebra; 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. countable, uncountable
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 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). countable
- 7 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, figuratively, uncountable
"Fly ! Fly ! avaunt with that base cowardly gibbrish ; That Algebra of honour ; which had never Been nam'd, if all had equal courage—what?"
- 8 The surgical treatment of a dislocated or fractured bone. Also (countable): a dislocation or fracture. historical, rare, uncountable
"Ne take noon hede to brynge togidere þe parties of þe boon þat is to-broken or dislocate, til viij. daies ben goon in þe wyntir, & v. in þe somer; for þanne it schal make quytture, and be sikir from swellynge; & þanne brynge togidere þe brynkis eiþer þe disiuncture after þe techynge þat schal be seid in þe chapitle of algebra."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Many pupils are poor at algebra."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "algebra"?
Common synonyms include: abstract math, algebra class, algebra course, analysis, arithmetic, math course.
How do you use "algebra" in a sentence?
Many pupils are poor at algebra.
How do you pronounce "algebra"?
Pronounced /ˈæl.d͡ʒɪ.bɹə/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin algebra, from the Arabic word الْجَبْر (al-jabr, “reunion, resetting of broken parts”) in the title of al-Khwarizmi's influential work الْكِتَاب الْمُخْتَصَر فِي حِسَاب الْجَبْر وَالْمُقَابَلَة (al-kitāb al-muḵtaṣar fī ḥisāb al-jabr wa-l-muqābala, “The Compendious Book on Calculation by Completion and Balancing”).