reverse Polish notation

noun

: a system of representing mathematical and logical operations in which the operands precede the operator and which does not require the use of parentheses
(3 + 5) − (2 + 1) in reverse Polish notation is expressed as 3 5 + 2 1 + −

called also postfix notation

Word History

First Known Use

1957, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of reverse Polish notation was in 1957

Dictionary Entries Near reverse Polish notation

Cite this Entry

“Reverse Polish notation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reverse%20Polish%20notation. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!