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algorism

noun
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al·​go·​rism | \ ˈal-gə-ˌri-zəm \
plural -s

Definition of algorism

1a : 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

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Other Words from algorism

algorismic \ ¦al-​gə-​ˌ¦riz-​mik \ adjective

First Known Use of algorism

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

History and Etymology for algorism

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

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

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Cite this Entry

“Algorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/algorism. Accessed 2 Mar. 2021.

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