Incommensurable
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ɪnkəˈmɛnʃ(ə)ɹəbəl/ · Part of speech adjective
Quick meaning: Incommensurable is an adjective meaning (mathematics, of two real numbers) having a ratio that is not expressible as a fraction of two integers.
Meaning
(mathematics, of two real numbers) having a ratio that is not expressible as a fraction of two integers.
More Meanings
- (mathematics, of two integers) having no common integer divisor except 1.
- Not able to be measured by the same standards as another term in the context.
- An incommensurable value or quantity; an irrational number.
Example Sentences
The side and diagonal of a square are incommensurable with each other; the diameter and circumference of a circle are incommensurable.
Unfortunately for Pythagoras, his theorem led at once to the discovery of incommensurables, which appeared to disprove his whole philosophy.
Word Forms
- incommensurables
Synonyms for incommensurable
Depending on context, synonyms include incomparable, uncomparable, incommensurate.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include incomparable, uncomparable, incommensurate, immense, tremendous, immeasurable.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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