vinculum

noun

vin·​cu·​lum ˈviŋ-kyə-ləm 

plural vinculums or vincula ˈviŋ-kyə-lə 

1

: a unifying bond : link, tie

2

: a straight horizontal mark placed over two or more members of a compound mathematical expression and equivalent to parentheses or brackets about them

Illustration of vinculum

• vinculum 2

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from vincire to bind

First Known Use

1661, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

vinculum

noun

vin·​cu·​lum ˈviŋ-kyə-ləm 

plural vinculums or vincula -lə 

: a straight horizontal mark placed over two or more members of a compound mathematical expression and equivalent to parentheses or brackets around them