mathematics

 
Pronunciation: /maθ(ə)ˈmatɪks/

plural noun

[usually treated as singular]
  • the abstract science of number, quantity, and space, either as abstract concepts ( pure mathematics), or as applied to other disciplines such as physics and engineering ( applied mathematics): a taste for mathematics
  • [often treated as plural] the mathematical aspects of something: James immerses himself in the mathematics of baseball

Origin:

late 16th century: plural of obsolete mathematic 'mathematics', from Old French mathematique, from Latin (ars) mathematica 'mathematical (art)', from Greek mathēmatikē (tekhnē), from the base of manthanein 'learn'