Galois theory

noun

Ga·​lois theory (ˌ)gal-ˈwä- How to pronounce Galois theory (audio)
ˈgal-ˌwä-
: a part of the theory of mathematical groups concerned especially with the conditions under which a solution to a polynomial equation with coefficients in a given mathematical field can be obtained in the field by the repetition of operations and the extraction of nth roots

Examples of Galois theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This involved an area of math called Galois theory, which Schneps also worked in. Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 9 May 2022 The study of groups is fundamental to Galois theory, an advanced field of mathematics built to study abstract algebraic structures associated with polynomials and their roots. Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2021

Word History

Etymology

after Évariste galois, who developed it

First Known Use

1893, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Galois theory was in 1893

Dictionary Entries Near Galois theory

Cite this Entry

“Galois theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Galois%20theory. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on Galois theory

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!