What does "surd" mean?
An irrational number, especially one expressed using the √ symbol.
Surd
/sɜːd/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An irrational number, especially one expressed using the √ symbol.
- Grammar: surd is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: accented, algebraic number, algorismic, algorithmic.
- Useful contrasts: rational, rational radical, rational root.
- Usage evidence: …how all Words fall to the Ground, spent upon such a surd and Earless Generation of Men, stupid unto all Instruction…
How to use "surd"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "surd" 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
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
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 "surd" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "surd" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "surd" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accented" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An irrational number, especially one expressed using the √ symbol.
- 2 a consonant produced without sound from the vocal cords wordnet
- 3 A voiceless consonant.
Adjective
- 1 Lacking the sense of hearing; deaf. obsolete
"…how all Words fall to the Ground, spent upon such a surd and Earless Generation of Men, stupid unto all Instruction…"
- 2 unheard obsolete
"To this errour, of blending the ſurd and vocal modes of articulation together, may be added the too frequent uſe of compound articulations both vocal and ſurd."
- 3 Involving surds, or irrational numbers; not capable of being expressed in rational numbers.
"a surd expression or quantity; a surd number"
- 4 unvoiced; voiceless
Adjective
- 1 produced without vibration of the vocal cords wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"…how all Words fall to the Ground, spent upon such a surd and Earless Generation of Men, stupid unto all Instruction…"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "surd"?
Common synonyms include: accented, algebraic number, algorismic, algorithmic, aliquot, allophone.
How do you use "surd" in a sentence?
…how all Words fall to the Ground, spent upon such a surd and Earless Generation of Men, stupid unto all Instruction…
How do you pronounce "surd"?
Pronounced /sɜːd/.
Etymology
First attested in the mid 16th century from Latin surdus (“deaf, mute”), used in mathematics for “irrational,” reflecting ἄλογος (álogos, “irrational, speechless”) as found in Euclid, apparently transmitted via Arabic جِذْر أَصَمّ (jiḏr ʔaṣamm, “deaf root”). The phonetic sense, “voiceless,” emerged in the 18th century. Doublet of surdo.