Fermat's last theorem

noun

Fer·​mat's last theorem fer-ˈmäz- How to pronounce Fermat's last theorem (audio)
: a theorem in number theory: the equation xⁿ + yⁿ = zⁿ has no solutions when x, y, z, and n are all positive integers and n is greater than 2

Word History

Etymology

Pierre de Fermat

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Fermat's last theorem was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near Fermat's last theorem

Cite this Entry

“Fermat's last theorem.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Fermat%27s%20last%20theorem. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Fermat's last theorem

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!