SAT Math Terminology

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Critical Reading Writing & Language Math Terminology Advanced Vocabulary

A B C D E I L M O P S T U

A

abscissathe x-coordinate of a point in a coordinate systemSAT absolute valuethe distance of a number from zero on a number lineSAT accelerationthe rate of change of velocity; the second derivative of positionSAT · TOEFL acute anglean angle less than 90 degreesSAT ad-libto perform or speak without preparation; improvisationSAT addenda number that is added to another in arithmeticSAT addenduma section added to the end of a book or documentSAT addicta person dependent on a substance or habit; to cause dependenceSAT addictionthe condition of being dependent on a substance or behaviorSAT additivea substance added to something to improve it; characterized by additionSAT addressthe location of a building; to speak to someone; to deal withSAT adenoida mass of tissue in the throat; relating to glandsSAT adeptskilled or proficient at something; expertSAT adequateSatisfactory or acceptable in quality or quantity; sufficient.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS adherenta follower or supporter; sticking firmly to somethingSAT adjacentIn geometry, lying next to or sharing a common side, vertex, or boundary without…GRE · SAT · TOEFL · IELTS adjectivea word that describes or modifies a nounSAT adjointo be next to and connected with somethingSAT adjournto postpone or end a meeting; to suspend proceedingsSAT adjudicateto make an official decision or judgment; to settle a disputeSAT adjunctSomething added or attached in a supplementary rather than essential capacity.GRE · SAT adjureto command or urge solemnly; to swear under oathSAT adjustto change slightly to fit or work better; to adaptSAT adjustmenta small change made to improve something; adaptationSAT adjutanta military officer who assists a commanding officerSAT admassa large audience targeted by mass advertisingSAT admeasureto ascertain the dimensions or area of; to measure outSAT administerTo manage and be responsible for the running of a business, organisation, or ins…SAT · TOEFL · IELTS administrationthe management of affairs; the group managing an organizationSAT · TOEFL admirableworthy of praise or approval; excellent or impressiveSAT admirala high-ranking naval officer; commander of a fleetSAT admirationa feeling of respect and approval; esteemSAT admireto regard with approval or respect; to wonder atSAT · IELTS admissibleacceptable or allowable, especially as evidence in courtSAT admissionthe act of allowing someone to enter; acknowledgment of truthSAT admitto allow someone to enter; to acknowledge or confessSAT admittedlyUsed to introduce a concession or unwelcome fact.SAT · IELTS admixturea mixture; something added and mixed with something elseSAT admonishTo warn or reprimand someone firmly but not harshly.GRE · SAT admonitiona warning or expression of disapproval; adviceSAT adolescencethe period of development from childhood to adulthoodSAT adolescentA young person in the process of developing into an adultSAT · TOEFL adoptto legally take a child as your own; to assume or acceptSAT adoptionThe action of taking on or beginning to use something new; legally taking a chil…SAT · IELTS algorithmA step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a mathematical problem or p…GRE · SAT · IELTS altitudeThe height of an object or point in relation to sea level or ground level.SAT · IELTS ambiguitythe quality of being open to more than one interpretationSAT · TOEFL ambivalencethe state of having mixed feelings or contradictory ideasGRE · SAT ambulatoryable to walk around; relating to walkingSAT ameliorationthe act of making something better; improvementSAT amitya friendly relationship between people or countriesSAT amplitudethe maximum extent of variation from a center value; in waves, half the distance…SAT · TOEFL analgesica medicine used to relieve pain without losing consciousnessSAT analogsomething that corresponds to or is comparable to something elseSAT analytic geometrythe study of geometry using algebraic equations and coordinatesSAT anglethe figure formed by two rays sharing an endpointSAT annulusthe region between two concentric circlesSAT antiderivativea function whose derivative is the given function; integralSAT apothemThe perpendicular distance from the center of a regular polygon to the midpoint …GRE · SAT approximateClose to the actual but not completely accurateSAT · TOEFL arcA portion of the circumference of a circle or other curve.GRE · SAT areathe amount of space enclosed by a two-dimensional figureSAT argumentin functions, the independent variable; input to a functionSAT · TOEFL arithmeticThe branch of mathematics dealing with the properties and manipulation of number…GRE · SAT arithmetic sequencea sequence where each term differs from the previous by a constant amountSAT arrayan arrangement of numbers or objects in rows and columnsSAT ascendingmoving upward in value or order; increasingSAT asymptoteA line that a curve approaches arbitrarily closely but never actually reaches or…GRE · SAT axioma statement accepted as true without proof; a fundamental principleSAT axisA fixed reference line used in a coordinate system to specify the position of a …GRE · SAT

B

basethe number system used (e.g., base 10); the bottom side of a polygonSAT · TOEFL basisa set of linearly independent vectors spanning a vector spaceSAT binomialAn algebraic expression consisting of two terms connected by a plus or minus sig…GRE · SAT bisectTo divide a line segment, angle, or shape into two equal parts.GRE · SAT boundaryA line that marks the limits of an area; a dividing line.SAT · TOEFL · IELTS bracketsymbols like [ ] or { } used to group terms in expressionsSAT

C

calculateTo determine a numerical result by performing mathematical operations such as ad…GRE · SAT calculusThe branch of mathematics that studies continuous change through derivatives (di…GRE · SAT candorthe quality of being open, honest, and direct; franknessGRE · SAT cantankerousbad-tempered, argumentative, and uncooperativeSAT capacioushaving a lot of space inside; roomySAT capitulateTo cease resisting and surrender to an opponent or demand.GRE · SAT cardinal numbera number indicating quantity rather than order (1, 2, 3...) rather than (1st, 2n…SAT carpingdifficult to please; excessive criticism of minor faultsSAT cartesian coordinatea coordinate system using perpendicular axes to locate pointsSAT cartographera person who draws or produces mapsSAT castigateTo reprimand someone severely; to criticize harshly.GRE · SAT categoricalinvolving categorization; relating to categoriesSAT catharsisThe process of releasing strong or repressed emotions, resulting in relief or re…GRE · SAT caucusa meeting of members of a political party; a group with shared interestsSAT cavalcadea procession of vehicles or riders; a series of eventsSAT ceiling functiona function that rounds a number up to the nearest integerSAT celerityswiftness of movement; speedSAT centerthe middle point of a circle or sphere; the point of symmetrySAT centimetera unit of length equal to one-hundredth of a meterSAT central limit theorema fundamental theorem stating that sample means follow a normal distributionSAT centroidThe geometric center of a shape, calculated as the average position of all point…GRE · SAT chorda straight line segment connecting two points on a circleSAT circumferenceThe distance around the outside of a circle, calculated as C = 2*pi*r, where r i…GRE · SAT circumscribeto draw a line or curve around; to draw a polygon around anotherGRE · SAT closed intervalan interval that includes its endpointsSAT coefficientA numerical or constant factor placed before a variable in an algebraic expressi…GRE · SAT · IELTS collinearLying on the same straight line, used to describe points that share a single lin…GRE · SAT columna vertical arrangement of elements in a matrix or tableSAT · TOEFL combinationa selection of items where order doesn't matterSAT combined variationwhen one variable depends on multiple other variables in different waysSAT common denominatora denominator that is common to two or more fractionsSAT common differencethe constant difference between consecutive terms in an arithmetic sequenceSAT common factora number that divides evenly into two or more numbersSAT common logarithma logarithm with base 10; log base 10SAT common ratiothe constant ratio between consecutive terms in a geometric sequenceSAT commutative propertya property stating that the order of operands doesn't affect the result (a + b =…SAT complementA thing that contributes features which improve or emphasise another's qualities…GRE · SAT · IELTS complementary anglestwo angles whose measures sum to 90 degreesSAT complex numbera number of the form a + bi where i is the imaginary unitSAT componenta part or element; in vectors, the projection along an axisSAT · TOEFL composite numbera number that has more than two factorsSAT compound inequalityan inequality involving two or more conditions connected by 'and' or 'or'SAT concaveCurving inward, like the interior surface of a sphere; in geometry, a polygon is…GRE · SAT concentricSharing the same center point, as with circles or spheres of different radii tha…GRE · SAT conclusionthe result or outcome reached by logical deductionSAT · TOEFL concurrentmeeting at a common point; happening at the same timeSAT conditional probabilitythe probability of an event given that another event has occurredSAT conea three-dimensional shape with a circular base and a point at the topSAT congruencethe quality of being congruent; having the same shape and sizeSAT congruentIn geometry, having the same shape and size so that all corresponding sides and …GRE · SAT conic sectionthe intersection of a plane and a cone, producing circles, ellipses, parabolas, …SAT conjugatea pair of complex numbers differing only in the sign of the imaginary partSAT conjunctionthe logical 'and' operator; the intersection of two setsSAT consecutiveFollowing continuously in unbroken sequence; in math, consecutive integers diffe…GRE · SAT consentagreement or permission; in probability, mutual agreementSAT consequencea result or effect following from an action or conditionSAT · TOEFL · IELTS consequentthe result in a conditional statement; the 'then' partSAT · IELTS convergenttending to converge; approaching a limitSAT convexCurving outward like the exterior of a sphere; in geometry, a polygon is convex …GRE · SAT convolutiona twisting or coiling together; a mathematical operation combining functionsSAT coordinateAn ordered set of numbers that specifies the position of a point in a given refe…GRE · SAT correlationA mutual relationship or connection between two or more things.SAT · IELTS correspondingIn geometry, occupying the same relative position in similar or congruent figure…GRE · SAT covariancea measure of how two variables change togetherSAT cubicrelating to a cube; having three dimensionsSAT cumulativeIncreasing or increased in quantity, degree, or force by successive additions.SAT · IELTS

D

deprecateto express disapproval of something; to belittle or disparageGRE · SAT derideto express contempt for someone or something; to mock or ridiculeGRE · SAT derogatoryshowing a critical or disrespectful attitude; demeaningSAT desecrateto treat a sacred place or thing with violent disrespectSAT desecrationthe act of treating a sacred thing with violent disrespectSAT desistto stop doing something; to ceaseSAT despondentin low spirits from loss of hope or courage; deeply dejectedSAT destitutionthe state of being extremely poor; severe deprivationSAT deterto discourage someone from doing something; to preventSAT deteriorateto become progressively worse; to decline in qualitySAT · IELTS detrimentaltending to cause harm; damagingSAT devouredeaten greedily; consumed eagerly and completelySAT dexterousshowing or having skill, especially with the hands; nimbleSAT

E

execrableextremely bad or unpleasant; detestableSAT exegesiscritical explanation or interpretation of a textSAT exemplaryserving as a desirable model; very goodSAT exemplifyto be a typical example of; to illustrateSAT exhaustiveincluding or considering all elements; thoroughSAT exoneratesabsolves someone from blame; acquitsSAT exorcismthe expulsion of a supposed evil spirit; liberation from somethingSAT expatriatea person who lives outside their native countrySAT expedientConvenient and practical, though possibly improper or immoral; serving one's imm…GRE · SAT expediteto make something happen sooner; to speed up a processSAT expositiona comprehensive description and explanation; a large public exhibitionSAT · TOEFL extolto praise enthusiastically and publicly; to exaltGRE · SAT extraditeto hand over a person to another jurisdiction for trialSAT extraneousirrelevant or unrelated to the subject being dealt with; superfluousGRE · SAT

I

immoderatenot sensible or restrained; excessiveSAT immutableunchanging over time; unable to be changed or alteredGRE · SAT impartialtreating all rivals or disputants equally; unbiased and fairGRE · SAT · TOEFL impecunioushaving little or no money; poorSAT impiousnot showing respect for religious matters; irreverentSAT impoverishedreduced to poverty; lacking quality or richnessSAT impromptudone without being planned or rehearsed; spontaneousSAT inadvertentnot resulting from deliberate planning; happening by accidentSAT incantationa series of words said as a magic spell; a chantSAT incarcerationthe state of being imprisonedSAT incessantuninterrupted in time and indefinitely long continuingGRE · SAT incipientbeginning to happen or develop; in early stagesSAT inclinationa tendency or disposition toward a particular thingSAT incoherentexpressed in a way that is hard to understand; confusedSAT

L

loftyof imposing height; elevated in character or status; haughtySAT longevitylong life; the length of time something lastsSAT loquacioustending to talk a great deal; garrulous and wordyGRE · SAT ludicrousso foolish or unreasonable as to be amusing; absurdSAT lukewarmonly moderately warm; unenthusiasticSAT lummoxa clumsy, stupid personSAT luscioushaving a pleasingly rich, sweet taste; richly appealingSAT lynchto kill someone by mob action, especially by hangingSAT

M

machinationsplots and schemes, especially ones that are deviousSAT maelstromA powerful whirlpool; a situation or state of confused and turbulent movement or…GRE · SAT magnanimousVery generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or someone less powerful.GRE · SAT magnateA wealthy and influential person, especially in business or industry.GRE · SAT maladroitinefficient or clumsy; lacking skillSAT

O

opaquenot able to be seen through; not clearly understood or explainedGRE · SAT opulentostentatiously rich and luxurious; lavishly abundantSAT ordainto order officially; to confer holy orders on a priestSAT ornateElaborately or excessively decorated; marked by intricate detail.GRE · SAT orthodoxAdhering to established, traditional, or widely accepted beliefs or practices.GRE · SAT ossifyto become rigid or fixed in attitude; to turn to boneSAT ostentatiousintended to attract notice and impress othersGRE · SAT oustto drive out or expel someone from a position of powerSAT overtdone openly; not hidden or secretSAT overwroughtin a state of nervous excitement or anxiety; excessively elaborateSAT

P

palatablepleasant to taste; acceptable or agreeable to the mindSAT palisadea fence of pointed wooden stakes; a defensive barrierSAT palliativerelieving symptoms without curing the cause; a remedy that improvesSAT precedentan earlier event serving as a guide for future casesSAT preceptA general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought; a guiding principle.GRE · SAT precincta district of a city or town; an electoral districtSAT precipicea tall, very steep rock face; a situation of dangerSAT precipitousDangerously steep; done suddenly and without careful consideration.GRE · SAT precludeto prevent from happening; to make impossibleSAT precociousHaving developed certain abilities or inclinations at an earlier age than is usu…GRE · SAT predecessora person who previously held the same positionSAT predicamenta difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situationSAT preeminentsurpassing all others; most important; outstandingSAT prerogativeAn exclusive right or privilege belonging to a particular person or group.GRE · SAT prescienthaving or showing knowledge of events before they occurSAT presentimentan intuitive feeling that something will happen, usually badSAT presumptuousfailing to observe the limits of what is permitted; overconfidentSAT

S

sageA person of profound wisdom and judgment, especially one revered for experience …GRE · SAT salacioushaving or conveying undue interest in sexual mattersSAT sallowof a sickly yellowish complexionSAT salubriousConducive to health or well-being; wholesome.GRE · SAT salutaryproducing good effects; beneficial; teaching a lessonSAT sanctimoniousMaking a hypocritical show of religious devotion or moral superiority.GRE · SAT sanctionTo give official permission or approval; also, a penalty imposed for violating a…GRE · SAT sanguinarybloodthirsty; involving much bloodshedSAT sardonicgrimly mocking or cynical; scornfully derisiveSAT savanta person of learning or deep knowledge in one areaSAT scaleto climb up or over; to adjust according to a scaleSAT scapegoata person blamed for the mistakes of othersSAT scrupulousdiligent, thorough, and extremely attentive to doing what is rightSAT

T

trinketa small ornament or piece of jewelry of little valueSAT triteoverused and consequently of little value or originality; clichédSAT trivialof little value or importance; unimportantSAT truanta student who stays away from school without permissionSAT truncateto shorten by cutting off the top, end, or part of somethingSAT tumulta loud, confused noise; a state of confusion or disorderSAT turpitudewickedness and moral corruption; depravitySAT tyroa beginner or novice in any fieldSAT

U

ubiquitouspresent, appearing, or found everywhere; omnipresentSAT unalloyednot mixed with anything else; pure; completeSAT unctuousExcessively flattering or ingratiating; oily in manner.GRE · SAT underminedweakened or damaged gradually and secretlySAT underscoreto emphasize; to underlineSAT unequivocalleaving no doubt; not ambiguous; perfectly clearSAT