algebraic
Meaning
of or relating to algebra, or using algebra.
(of a mathematical expression, equation, or function) involving only algebraic operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and raising to a rational power.
Structure
Usage
the proof required a sophisticated algebraic manipulation.
she is studying algebraic geometry, a complex field combining abstract algebra and geometry.
the solution must be expressed in a simple algebraic form.
Etymology
the word 'algebraic' is a direct derivative of 'algebra', which entered english from medieval latin, tracing back to the title of a foundational 9th-century arabic mathematical treatise 'kitab al-jabr wa-l-muqabala' (the book of restoration and balancing). the key term 'al-jabr' (the restoration) referred to the operation of moving subtracted terms to the other side of an equation to restore equilibrium. the english suffix '-ic', of latin and greek origin, is a prolific adjectival suffix meaning 'pertaining to'. thus, 'algebraic' literally means 'pertaining to the system of restoration and balancing', which evolved into the modern sense of relating to the branch of mathematics dealing with symbols and the rules for manipulating them.
Analysis
algebra (from arabic 'al-jabr', meaning 'reunion of broken parts'); ic (from latin '-icus', from greek '-ikos', forming adjectives meaning 'of, pertaining to').