math
math Lexical Profile
math Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American The abstract science of number, quantity, and space, studied either in its own right or as applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering; mathematics.
"She has always excelled in math and plans to study civil engineering at university."
North American A mathematical calculation, computation, or set of figures used to analyze a situation or reach a conclusion.
"If you do the math on the monthly subscription costs, buying the software outright is much cheaper."
Word Nuance & Usage
"Math" is the standard shortened form of "mathematics" in North American English, whereas "maths" is the preferred shortened form in British, Australian, and Commonwealth English.
• Rhymes for math
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
First recorded in the mid-19th century as a colloquial North American clipping of "mathematics," which ultimately derives from the Ancient Greek "mathematikos" (fond of learning), from "mathema" (knowledge, study, or learning).