mathematical

adjective

math·​e·​mat·​i·​cal ˌmath-ˈma-ti-kəl 

ˌma-thə-

variants or less commonly mathematic

ˌmath-ˈma-tik 

ˌma-thə-

1

: of, relating to, or according with mathematics

2

a

: rigorously exact : precise

b

: certain

3

: possible but highly improbable

only a mathematical chance

mathematically

ˌmath-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌma-thə-

adverb

Synonyms

• accurate
• close
• delicate
• exact
• fine
• hairline
• pinpoint
• precise
• refined
• rigorous
• spot-on

Examples of mathematical in a Sentence

They recorded the changes with mathematical precision.

The team has only a mathematical chance of making the play-offs.

Recent Examples on the Web

This mathematical algorithm analyzes available data about metabolism, then makes predictions on how different chemical reactions and metabolites would act under specific conditions. —Blaise Manga Enuh, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025

And Nicole is so good about showing that in a mathematical, technical way. —Margy Rochlin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025

Galaxies are well known to bend and distort light waves, and some cosmologists say the voids must do as well and have developed the mathematical tools to study how this might make the universe look to observers on Earth. —The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 31 Dec. 2024

Johann Sebastian Bach's works were an ideal choice given the highly mathematical structure, plus the composer was so prolific, across so many very different kinds of musical compositions—preludes, fugues, chorales, toccatas, concertos, suites, and cantatas—as to allow for useful comparisons. —Ars Technica, 30 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mathematicalle, from Latin mathematicus, from Greek mathēmatikos, from mathēmat-, mathēma learning, mathematics, from manthanein to learn; probably akin to Goth mundon to pay attention

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mathematical

• mathematical expectation
• mathematical induction
• mathematical logic

Kids Definition

mathematical

adjective

math·​e·​mat·​i·​cal ˌmath-ə-ˈmat-i-kəl 

math-ˈmat-

1

: of, relating to, or according with mathematics

2

: very exact

mathematical precision

mathematically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb