algorism

noun al·go·rism \ ˈal-gə-ˌri-zəm \

Definition of algorism

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

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algorismic

\¦al-gə-ˌ¦riz-mik\ adjective

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Origin and Etymology of 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year