Dictionary
sum
Pronunciation: (sum), [key]
—n., v., summed, sum•ming.
—
n.
1. the aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes, quantities, or particulars as determined by or as if by the mathematical process of addition:
The sum of 6 and 8 is 14.
2. a particular aggregate or total, esp. with reference to money:
The expenses came to an enormous sum.
3. an indefinite amount or quantity, esp. of money:
to lend small sums.
4. a series of numbers or quantities to be added up.
5. an arithmetical problem to be solved, or such a problem worked out and having the various steps shown.
6. the full amount, or the whole.
7. the substance or gist of a matter, comprehensively or broadly viewed or expressed:
the sum of his opinions.
8. concise or brief form:
in sum.
9. Math.
a. the limit of the sequence of partial sums of a given infinite series.
b. union (def. 10a).
10. a summary.
—
v.t.
1. to combine into an aggregate or total (often fol. by
up).
2. to ascertain the sum of, as by addition.
3. to bring into or contain in a small compass (often fol. by
up).
—
v.i.
1. to amount (usually fol. by
to or
into):
Their expenses summed into the thousands.
2. sum up,
a. to reckon:
We summed up our assets and liabilities.
b. to bring into or contain in a brief and comprehensive statement; summarize:
to sum up the case for the prosecution.
c. to form a quick estimate of:
I summed him up in a minute. sum-
var. of
sub- before
m: summon.SUM
surface-to-underwater missile.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
