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Boolean

Boolean

1 7.0
A kind of logic using values that are only true or false
  • adjective
  • /ˈbuːliən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : booleano
  • Using Boolean operators such as AND and OR can significantly improve the accuracy of search results.
  • Boolean algebra
  • Boolean operator

You know, it's not a Boolean like system where you have, you know, the sort of assumptions of true and false.

Examples

  • Search terms and Boolean operators.

    Academic text (2018)
  • You don't need to know a whole lot of Boolean algebra or math in order to do life sciences.

  • In that sense, you know a complete Boolean algebra always has a bottom and a top.

  • Therefore, all related terms were combined using the Boolean logical operators AND and OR.

    Academic text (2018)
  • Boolean algebra is used to develop Boolean logic.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Boolean algebra is the type of mathematics on which computers and digital equipment are based.

    Academic text (2008)
  • These headings were crossed with the Boolean operator "AND."

    Academic text (2012)
  • The empty set is a subset of the set of Boolean values true and false.

  • The knowledge that counts is not just knowing how to use Boolean operators and knowing what the different fields are—it’s expertise about the research subject and the contents of the library collection.

    Academic text (2014)
  • Conducting a Boolean search for "persuasion" AND "anthropology" produces zero—none whatsoever.

    Academic text (2001)

Synonyms

bool
vsBoolean
  • Specialized
7.2

Used for values that can be only true or false

refers to the algebraic logic system built around operators like AND OR NOT

Compounds

Boolean algebra
  • Specialized
6.1

A part of math where values are only true or false and are used in logic and computers

Boolean logic
  • Specialized
5.7

A set of simple rules that uses true and false to make decisions

Boolean operation
  • Specialized
5.7

A rule that uses true and false inputs to give a true or false result like AND, OR, NOT

Surface Forms

Boolean positive

Morphology

Boolean = Boole (opaque) = Boole + ean

An eponymous adjective formed from the surname of George Boole; learners cannot infer the technical logical meaning from the name plus suffix.

Etymology

The word Boolean is named after the English mathematician Boole, who created a simple system of logic. In his system every statement is either 'true' or 'false', like a small 'on' or 'off' switch, so today Boolean means something that can only be true or false.