algebra

noun

al·​ge·​bra ˈal-jə-brə How to pronounce algebra (audio)
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 noun

Examples of algebra in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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While the competition is aimed at pre-university mathematicians, the questions require critical thinking and an understanding of multiple mathematical disciplines, including algebra, combinatorics, geometry, and number theory. Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 21 July 2025 But many of the strongest math students take algebra in middle school, so high schools don’t get credit for those students’ algebra scores. Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025 The most notable achievements are a 15-percentage point increase in algebra 1 proficiency, a 7-percentage point increase in English language arts in grades 9 and 10 and an overall increase in English language arts of 4 percentage points. Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 10 July 2025 Students can retake the algebra and language arts exams several times before graduation. Steven Walker, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for algebra

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of algebra was in 1551

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Cite this Entry

“Algebra.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/algebra. Accessed 24 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

algebra

noun
al·​ge·​bra ˈal-jə-brə How to pronounce algebra (audio)
: 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

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