algorism

noun

al·​go·​rism
ˈal-gə-ˌri-zəm
plural -s
1
a
: the system of Arabic numerals
b
: the art of calculating by means of nine figures and zero : arithmetic
2
: the art of calculating with any species of notation
the algorism of fractions
algorismic
¦al-gə-ˌ¦riz-mik
adjective

Word History

Etymology

Middle English augrim, algorisme, from Old French & Medieval Latin; Old French augorisme, from Medieval Latin algorismus, from Arabic al-khuwārizmi, after abu-Jaʽfar Mohammed ibn-Mūsa al-Khuwārizmi, flourished 825 a.d. Persian mathematician

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of algorism was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near algorism

Cite this Entry

“Algorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/algorism. Accessed 7 Dec. 2024.

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