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Glite Dictionary
🔢 No infinitesimals ⚖️ Related to Archimedes
Archimedean

Archimedean

9.9
Containing no infinitely small numbers, so multiplying one positive number enough times makes it bigger than another
  • adjective
  • /ˌɑrkɪˈmiːdiən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : arquimediano
  • Such an M exists by the Archimedean property of the natural numbers.

Examples

  • The Archimedean property ensures that for any two positive numbers, one can be found that is larger than the other.

  • Mathematics often relies on the Archimedean principle to demonstrate that no infinitesimal elements exist in the real number system.

  • In an Archimedean field, you can always find a multiple of a given positive element that exceeds another positive element.

Compounds

Archimedean drill
  • Specialized
9.9

A small hand tool with a spiral rod for making tiny precise holes

Surface Forms

Archimedean positive

Morphology

Archimedean = Archimedes (opaque) = Archimedes + an

The technical mathematical property named 'Archimedean' refers to a specific formal notion that cannot be derived by an average learner from the proper name alone.

Etymology

Archimedean is named after the ancient Greek thinker Archimedes, who used repeated adding and careful steps to compare very large and very small amounts. So in math, an Archimedean system means that by repeating a small amount enough times you can always go past a larger amount — there are no 'infinitely small' parts.