Definition of transcendental
1a : transcendent 1bb : supernaturalc : abstruse, abstractd : of or relating to transcendentalism
2a : incapable of being the root of an algebraic equation with rational coefficients π is a transcendental numberb : being, involving, or representing a function (such as sin x, log x, ex) that cannot be expressed by a finite number of algebraic operations transcendental curves
3 in Kantian philosophy a : of or relating to experience as determined by the mind's makeupb : transcending experience but not human knowledge
4 : transcendent 1a
From the M-W Editors
Examples of transcendental in a Sentence
the concept of the soul as a transcendental entity that exists entirely apart from the body
in his speeches he manifests a transcendental ability to inspire people from all points on the political spectrum
First Known Use of transcendental
1624
Other Philosophy Terms
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