[1] : The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48

sum \sum\, n. oe. summe, somme, of. sume, some, f. somme, l.
   summa, fr. summus highest, a superlative from sub under. see
   sub-, and cf. supreme.
   1. the aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes,
      quantities, or particulars; the amount or whole of any
      number of individuals or particulars added together; as,
      the sum of 5 and 7 is 12.
      1913 webster

            take ye the sum of all the congregation. --num. i.
                                                  2.
      1913 webster

   note: sum is now commonly applied to an aggregate of numbers,
         and number to an aggregate of persons or things.
         1913 webster

   2. a quantity of money or currency; any amount, indefinitely;
      as, a sum of money; a small sum, or a large sum. "the sum
      of forty pound." --chaucer.
      1913 webster

            with a great sum obtained i this freedom. --acts
                                                  xxii. 28.
      1913 webster

   3. the principal points or thoughts when viewed together; the
      amount; the substance; compendium; as, this is the sum of
      all the evidence in the case; this is the sum and
      substance of his objections.
      1913 webster

   4. height; completion; utmost degree.
      1913 webster

            thus have i told thee all my state, and brought
            my story to the sum of earthly bliss. --milton.
      1913 webster

   5. arith. a problem to be solved, or an example to be
      wrought out. --macaulay.
      1913 webster

            a sum in arithmetic wherein a flaw discovered at a
            particular point is ipso facto fatal to the whole.
                                                  --gladstone.
      1913 webster

            a large sheet of paper . . . covered with long sums.
                                                  --dickens.
      1913 webster

   algebraic sum, as distinguished from arithmetical sum, the
      aggregate of two or more numbers or quantities taken with
      regard to their signs, as + or -, according to the rules
      of addition in algebra; thus, the algebraic sum of -2, 8,
      and -1 is 5.

   in sum, in short; in brief. obs. "in sum, the gospel . .
      . prescribes every virtue to our conduct, and forbids
      every sin." --rogers.
      1913 webster
see also:
sub- supreme algebraic sum in sum 

Algebraic >> A Words
Algebraic, definition of term: Algebraic
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Algebraic Funct >> A Words
Algebraic Funct, definition of term: Algebraic Funct
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