The Words of Mathematics: An Etymological Dictionary of Mathematical Terms Used in English (Spectrum)

by Steven Schwartzman (Author)

6 customer reviews

ISBN-13: 978-0883855119

ISBN-10: 0883855119

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The Words of Mathematics explains the origins of over 1500 mathematical terms used in English. While other dictionaries of mathematics define technical terms, this book concentrates on where those terms came from and what their literal meanings are. The words included here range from simple to advanced. This dictionary is easy to use. Although some of the entries are highly technical, the book explains them in plain English. The introduction gives an overview of how the ancient language known as Indo-European developed into Latin, Greek, French and English, the languages from which most of our mathematical vocabulary has been derived. Another section discusses the many ways in which mathematicians have borrowed and created their specialized vocabulary over the centuries. A glossary explains historical and linguistic terms used throughout the book.

The Words of Mathematics: An Etymological Dictionary of Mathematical Terms Used in English (Spectrum)

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Product Details

Series: Spectrum
Paperback: 270 pages
Publisher: The Mathematical Association of America (September 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0883855119
ISBN-13: 978-0883855119
Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,103,612 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #230 in Books > Science & Math > Mathematics > Reference
- #783 in Books > Reference > Words, Language & Grammar > Etymology
- #809 in Books > Reference > Dictionaries & Thesauruses > English

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11 of 11 people found the following review helpful

The history of mathematics through words

By Charles Ashbacher HALL OF FAMETOP 500 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on March 27, 2001

Format: Paperback

Words are the currency used in all types of human interactions, but in mathematics they have more precise meanings than in most others. However, while this book is valuable as a reference concerning the definitions of the words, the greatest point of interest is in the origins of their mathematical meanings. I have always been interested in word origins, particularly how the meaning is modified over time. Languages are very dynamic entities, as even the passing of a few generations can lead to significant alterations in both structure and vocabulary.
For these reasons, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, making it one of the few dictionaries that I have read nearly cover to cover, although not in that order. Many of the mathematical words have unexpected origins, reflecting in many ways how ubiquitous mathematics is in life. Also, since it is largely an abstract discipline, some of the words had to be "invented", as there was no real-world analog that adequately describes them.
If you have an interest in the linguistic derivation of mathematical words, then this is one book that you should possess. I occasionally open it at random, and I have never been disappointed in the interesting facts uncovered. Reading them also builds an appreciation for how mathematics has evolved over the centuries.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

Word connections

By Stefano on August 3, 2005

Format: Paperback

This dictionary explains the origin of many mathematical terms, briefly summarizing their development from Latin and Greek, and often even tracing them back to an Indo-European root.

There are no significant technical explanations, while the etimologies are discussed in just enough depth to permit the connection between related words belonging to other, possibly completely different fields. Many of them are presented as examples spread throughout the book, and, after reading them, many more can be thought of with minimal effort.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

Something Pithy

By Hill Country Woman on June 18, 2003

Format: Paperback

Never have I found a more profoundly helpful text as this, Mr. Steven Schwarztman's opus. My love for this book is like the tangent of pi over two; it goes on forever! I reference it often and have bought several copies already. (for the living room, office, water closet, etc.) Sometimes I find myself lost in Mr. Schartzman's mathematical world of words. The masterful organization of each entry is truly a visual delight. Hats off to you Steven! Bravo.

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Five Stars

Very Good!!!

Published 15 months ago by Wanderley Rezende

The Words of Mathematics

This book is one of the best mathematical resources I've come across in a long time. It is such an interesting book, I take it everywhere and incorporate it into all of my... Read more

Published on February 17, 2009 by William E. Reilly Jr.

I love this book!

This book is great fun for anyone interested in math and the derivation of words. Highly recommended for math teachers. Don't miss this gem!

Published on July 28, 2005 by Nancy Clark