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 of mathematical

• accurate
• precise
• rigorous

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

The server deploys a hybrid processor that uses an optical tensor engine for mathematical computation and digital processing for system control. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 2026

But Dallas doesn’t have time for mathematical regression. —Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2026

Ultrafinitism is not polite talk at a mathematical society dinner. —Quanta Magazine, 29 Apr. 2026

For instance, in 2020, Hendon’s lab helped devise a mathematical model for brewing the perfect cup of espresso, over and over, while minimizing waste. —ArsTechnica, 28 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for mathematical

• emblematical
• enigmatical
• kinematical
• problematical
• ungrammatical
• dogmatical
• fanatical
• grammatical
• sabbatical
• statical

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