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

by Steven Schwartzman (Author)

6 ratings

ISBN-13: 978-0883855119

ISBN-10: 9780883855119

Why is ISBN important?

Have one to sell?

Sell on Amazon

Paperback

$38.48

Other Sellers

from $28.48

Other Sellers

See all 2 versions

More Buying Choices

1 new from $159.88

13 used from $28.48

14 used & new from $28.48

See All Buying Options

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.

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

This shopping feature will continue to load items when the Enter key is pressed. In order to navigate out of this carousel please use your heading shortcut key to navigate to the next or previous heading.

Christopher Clapham

76

Paperback
$18.95
In stock on January 11, 2021.
Douglas Downing

45

Paperback
$14.99
Temporarily out of stock.
Anthony Lo Bello

3

Paperback
$49.95
Usually ships within 3 days.

Customers who bought this item also bought

Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1

Don Balka

26

Paperback
$15.95
Only 15 left in stock - order soon.
Douglas Downing

45

Paperback
$14.99
Temporarily out of stock.
Edward R. Scheinerman

119

Paperback
$10.00
Richard Courant

242

Paperback
$19.29

Special offers and product promotions

Amazon Business : For business-only pricing, quantity discounts and FREE Shipping. Register a free business account

Editorial Reviews

Review

The first book that combines a mathematical dictionary and an etmological dictionary. Recommended for any library covering mathematics. -- American Reference Books Annual

The product of serious scholarship, it is nevertheless comprehensible and enjoyable to read. -- Choice

Book Description

ASIN : 0883855119
Publisher : The Mathematical Association of America (May 1, 1994)
Language: : English
Paperback : 270 pages
ISBN-10 : 9780883855119
ISBN-13 : 978-0883855119
Item Weight : 1.06 pounds
Dimensions : 5.98 x 0.55 x 8.98 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #1,421,397 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #319 in Mathematics Reference (Books)
- #893 in English Dictionaries & Thesauruses
- #8,708 in Mathematics (Books)

Customer Reviews:
6 ratings

Customer reviews

5 star		79%
4 star		21%
3 star 0% (0%)		0%
2 star 0% (0%)		0%
1 star 0% (0%)		0%

How are ratings calculated?

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

Wanderley Rezende

Five Stars

Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2014

Verified Purchase

Very Good!!!

One person found this helpful

Helpful

Stefano

Word connections

Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2005

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.

4 people found this helpful

Helpful

William E. Reilly Jr.

The Words of Mathematics

Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2009

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 mathematic lessons. When students are made aware of the history behind the mathematic vernacular, they are better able to understand the mathematical concepts and retain that knowledge. This book is a must for anyone who aspires to attain the title, "Master Teacher of Mathematics!"

3 people found this helpful

Helpful

Hill Country Woman

Something Pithy

Reviewed in the United States on June 18, 2003

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.

3 people found this helpful

Helpful