COMMUTATIVE

commutative

(adjective) (of a binary operation) independent of order; as in e.g. “a x b = b x a”

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Adjective

commutative (not comparable)

(mathematics, of a binary operation) Such that the order in which the operands are taken does not affect their image under the operation.

Addition on the real numbers is commutative because for any real numbers \(s,t\), it is true that \(s+t=t+s\).

(algebra, of an algebraic structure) Having a commutative operation.

(mathematics, of a diagram of morphisms) Such that any two sequences of morphisms with the same initial and final positions compose to the same morphism.

Relating to exchange; interchangeable.

Synonyms

• (of an algebraic structure): abelian, Abelian

Antonyms

• anticommutative

Source: Wiktionary


Com*mut"a*tive, a. Etym: [CF. F. commutatif.]

Definition: Relative to exchange; interchangeable; reciprocal.

– Com*mut"a*tive"ly, adv. Rich traders, from their success, are presumed . . . to have cultivated an habitual regard to commutative justice. Burke.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

23 May 2025

THOUGHTFULLY

(adverb) showing consideration and thoughtfulness; “he had thoughtfully brought with him some food to share”


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Coffee Trivia

According to Guinness World Records, the most massive cup of coffee contained 22,739.14 liters and was created by Alcaldía Municipal de Chinchiná (Colombia) at Parque de Bolívar, Chinchiná, Caldas, Colombia, on 15 June 2019. Fifty people worked for more than a month to build this giant cup. The drink prepared was Arabic coffee.

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