combinatorics

noun

com·​bi·​na·​tor·​ics ˌkäm-bə-nə-ˈtȯr-iks How to pronounce combinatorics (audio)
-ˈtär-,
kəm-ˌbī-nə-,
-(ˌ)bi-
plural in form but singular in construction
: combinatorial mathematics

Examples of combinatorics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Several other groups used machine learning to solve problems in graph theory and combinatorics, create better techniques for multiplying matrices, and come up with new conjectures in knot theory. Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 22 Dec. 2022 The result was a landmark in the subfield of mathematics called additive combinatorics. Leila Sloman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Dec. 2022 Data science is another tool that encompasses AI plus statistical analysis, mathematical optimization, simulation, search and matching algorithms, graph theory and combinatorics. Sushil Verma, Forbes, 4 Jan. 2022 And there are many other open problems in combinatorics that could benefit from the ideas Simkin used. Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2021 Their strategy is called a random greedy algorithm, and it’s been used to solve many other problems in the area of combinatorics. Quanta Magazine, 21 Sep. 2021 On May 19, Ashwin Sah posted the best result ever on one of the most important questions in combinatorics. Quanta Magazine, 30 Nov. 2020 The Erdos-Turan conjecture in additive combinatorics is one of the longest lasting unsolved problems. Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 18 Aug. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'combinatorics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1940, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of combinatorics was in 1940

Dictionary Entries Near combinatorics

Cite this Entry

“Combinatorics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/combinatorics. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

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