algebra

1 of 2

noun (1)

al·​ge·​bra ˈal-jə-brə 

1

: a generalization of arithmetic in which letters representing numbers are combined according to the rules of arithmetic

2

: any of various systems or branches of mathematics or logic concerned with the properties and relationships of abstract entities (such as complex numbers, matrices, sets, vectors, groups, rings, or fields) manipulated in symbolic form under operations often analogous to those of arithmetic compare boolean algebra

algebraist

ˈal-jə-ˌbrā-ist 

noun

algebraist

2 of 2

noun (2)

al·​ge·​bra·​ist ˈal-jə-ˌbrā-ist 

plural -s

: a specialist in algebra

Examples of algebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Although the algebra extends comfortably to higher dimensions, finding optimal sphere packings in higher dimensions is extremely difficult. — Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2026

Critics also questioned the board’s decision to remove an earlier requirement for students to learn about Muslim contributions to algebra and astronomy. — Tiffani Jackson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Sep. 2026

Many transitive graphs represent objects from other mathematical subfields, like algebra or geometry. — Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 31 Aug. 2026

Mention algebra, though, and otherwise reasonable adults start describing seventh grade like a combat tour. — Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Medieval Latin, from Arabic al-jabr, literally, the reduction

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1673, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing algebra

• abstract algebra
• Boolean algebra
• linear algebra

Kids Definition

algebra

noun

al·​ge·​bra ˈal-jə-brə 

: a branch of mathematics that uses letters to represent numbers and that studies numbers and the operations (as multiplication and addition) that are used on them

algebraic

ˌal-jə-ˈbrā-ik

adjective

algebraically

-ˈbrā-ə-k(ə-)lē

adverb