arithmetic

[n. uh-rith-muh-tik; adj. ar-ith-met-ik] /n. əˈrɪθ mə tɪk; adj. ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk/

noun

the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.

Also called higher arithmetic, theoretical arithmetic. the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.

a book on this subject.

adjective, arithmetic

Also, arithmetical. of or pertaining to arithmetic.

Origin

1200-50; < Latin arithmētica, feminine singular of arithmēticus < Greek arithmētikḗ (téchnē) (art, skill) of numbers, equivalent to arithmé(ein) to reckon + -t(o)- verbal adjective + -ikḗ -ic; replacing Middle English arsmet(r)ike < Old French arismetique < Medieval Latin arismētica, with s for Late Greek th

Related forms

arithmetically, adverb

nonarithmetic, adjective

nonarithmetical, adjective

nonarithmetically, adverb

unarithmetical, adjective

unarithmetically, adverb

Examples from the web for arithmetic

If not, a sequence of tests using a type of mathematics called modular arithmetic is carried out.
There is a big difference between mathematics and arithmetic.
Many persons who have not studied mathematics confuse it with arithmetic and consider it a dry and arid science.
They don't plop students at computers to drill themselves on spelling or arithmetic.
Sucking at arithmetic is usually due to laziness or sloppy work.
With the inexorable arithmetic of oil depletion, it may not stay off the table much longer.
Demographics is simply the arithmetic of culture and values-it only quantifies, it doesn't explain.
Then when they open their book they will see me, arithmetic.
And if you do the arithmetic of debt service, that really does seem to suggest that debt isn't a problem.
Simple arithmetic suggests that global fisheries are not sustainable under the current management regime.

British Dictionary definitions for arithmetic

arithmetic

/əˈrɪθmətɪk/

noun

the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

one or more calculations involving numerical operations

knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic: his arithmetic is good

adjective (ˌærɪθˈmɛtɪk)

of, relating to, or using arithmetic

Derived Forms

arithmetically, adverb
arithmetician, noun

Word Origin

C13: from Latin arithmētica, from Greek arithmētikē, from arithmein to count, from arithmos number

Word Origin and History for arithmetic

mid-13c., arsmetike, from Old French arsmetique (12c.), from Latin arithmetica, from Greek arithmetike (tekhne) "(the) counting (art)," fem. of arithmetikos "of or for reckoning, arithmetical," from arithmos "number, counting, amount," from PIE root *re(i)- "to reason, count" (cf. Old English, Old High German rim "number;" Old Irish rim "number," dorimu "I count;" Latin ritus "religious custom;" see read).

Originally in English also arsmetrik, on folk etymology from Medieval Latin ars metrica; spelling corrected early 16c. Replaced native tælcræft, literally "tell-craft."

arithmetic in Science

arithmetic

(ə-rĭth'mĭ-tĭk)
The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.