imaginary unit

noun

: the positive square root of minus 1 denoted by i or + √-1

Examples of imaginary unit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Some of Clarke’s imaginary units would eventually become real. Robert Hutton, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024 The introduction of this one new non-real number — i, the imaginary unit — launched an entirely new mathematical world to explore. Quanta Magazine, 25 Oct. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imaginary unit was circa 1911

Dictionary Entries Near imaginary unit

Cite this Entry

“Imaginary unit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imaginary%20unit. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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