'Complex number' definitions:
Definition of 'complex number'
(from WordNet)
noun
(mathematics) a number of the form a+bi where a and b are real numbers and i is the square root of -1 [syn: complex number, complex quantity, imaginary number, imaginary]
Definition of 'Complex number'
From: GCIDE
- Complex \Com"plex\ (k[o^]m"pl[e^]ks), a. [L. complexus, p. p. of complecti to entwine around, comprise; com- + plectere to twist, akin to plicare to fold. See Plait, n.]
- 1. Composed of two or more parts; composite; not simple; as, a complex being; a complex idea. [1913 Webster]
- Ideas thus made up of several simple ones put together, I call complex; such as beauty, gratitude, a man, an army, the universe. --Locke. [1913 Webster]
- 2. Involving many parts; complicated; intricate. [1913 Webster]
- When the actual motions of the heavens are calculated in the best possible way, the process is difficult and complex. --Whewell. [1913 Webster]
- Complex fraction. See Fraction.
- Complex number (Math.), in the theory of numbers, an expression of the form a + b[root]-1, when a and b are ordinary integers.
- Syn: See Intricate. [1913 Webster]