semiring

1 9.9

A set where you can add and multiply but not subtract or use negative numbers

noun
/ˈsɛmɪˌrɪŋ/

Specialized

: sem anillo

Researchers studied the properties of a new semiring to solve optimization problems.

Examples

In computer science, a semiring can be used to model certain types of automata.
The set of natural numbers forms a semiring under addition and multiplication.
A semiring is an algebraic structure.
In mathematics, a semiring consists of two operations.
A semiring is a mathematical structure that includes two operations, such as addition and multiplication, without needing subtraction.
In abstract algebra, a semiring can be defined simply as a set equipped with addition and multiplication that lacks negative elements.
Many properties of numbers can be studied using a semiring, which does not require the existence of additive inverses.

Surface Forms

semiring singular

semirings plural

Morphology

semiring = ring (opaque) = semi + ring

Although the word is formed from semi- + ring, the mathematical term is specialized and not straightforwardly guessable for an average learner.

Etymology

Semiring combines semi- ('half' or 'partial'), as in semicircle, and ring, which in math means a system that also has negatives and subtraction. So a semiring is a 'partial ring': it has addition and multiplication but does not require negative numbers or subtraction.