complex number

noun

: a number of the form a + b √-1 where a and b are real numbers

Examples of complex number in a Sentence

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And that function involves two complex numbers, α and β (called quantum amplitudes), which, being complex numbers, have real parts and imaginary parts. IEEE Spectrum, 15 Nov. 2018 Also, twistor space seems to play a key role, and on the twistor side everything is described by calculus with complex numbers, which is one of the most beautiful parts of mathematics. Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024 But complex numbers live up to their name: The set’s boundary is magnificently intricate. Quanta Magazine, 26 Jan. 2024 So if a proof requires an intermediate step in which, for example, there are complex numbers that may contain square roots of negative values, programming languages specialized for geometry cannot be used. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 17 Jan. 2024 See all Example Sentences for complex number 

Word History

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of complex number was in 1856

Dictionary Entries Near complex number

Cite this Entry

“Complex number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/complex%20number. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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