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Glite Dictionary
Boolean algebra

Boolean algebra

6.1
A part of math where values are only true or false and are used in logic and computers
  • noun
  • /ˈbuːliən ˈælɡəbrə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : álgebra booleana
  • I have half a mind to try to teach my 8-year-old daughter the basics of Boolean algebra next summer.
  • set and Boolean algebra
  • Boolean algebra method
  • crisp set and Boolean algebra

Examples

  • Boolean algebra is the type of mathematics on which computers and digital equipment are based.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Boolean algebra also has its own rules for simplification, of which the most important is that if two terms differ from each other by only one state but still produce the same results, the state can in this instance be ignored.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Or, in the language of Boolean algebra, when is Y true?

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

  • Boolean algebra is used to develop Boolean logic.

    Academic text (2008)

  • The principles of Boolean algebra are applied in programming to make decisions based on true or false conditions.

  • Students learn Boolean algebra to understand how logic gates function in digital electronics.

  • Knowing some formal logic and Boolean algebra is good.

Synonyms

Boolean logic
vsBoolean algebra
  • Specialized
5.7

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

is the mathematical study of rules for variables limited to true or false

Surface Forms

Boolean algebra singular
Boolean algebras plural

Morphology

Boolean + algebra

While 'algebra' clearly indicates a mathematical branch, 'Boolean' is an eponymic/technical adjective (from George Boole) whose specific sense — relating to true/false logic — is not derivable from the word itself. A B1 learner who only knows the surface forms of the constituents would not be able to infer the specialized meaning without prior exposure or subject-matter knowledge.

Etymology

Boolean algebra comes from the mathematician George Boole. It treats values as 'true' or 'false', like a light switch that is on or off, so it is used in computers.