surd Meaning & Definition
What Does Surd Mean?
Surd is used as a noun meaning An irrational number, especially one expressed using the √ symbol. It can also mean A voiceless consonant. As an adjective, it means Lacking the sense of hearing; deaf.
Surd in Brief
| Part of speech | noun, adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /sɜːd/ |
| Synonyms | voiceless, unvoiced and voiceless consonant |
| Antonyms | sonant and voiced |
| Plural | surds |
| Comparative / superlative | more surd, most surd |
Surd Definition (Noun)
- An irrational number, especially one expressed using the √ symbol.
- A voiceless consonant.
Surd as an Adjective
- Lacking the sense of hearing; deaf.
- unheard
- Involving surds, or irrational numbers; not capable of being expressed in rational numbers.
a surd expression or quantity; a surd number
- unvoiced; voiceless
Synonyms of Surd
Surd synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Surd
Surd in a Sentence
a surd expression or quantity; a surd number
Word Forms & Grammar
surd (plural surds)
surd (comparative more surd, superlative most surd)
Origin of Surd
First attested in the mid 16th century from Latin surdus (“deaf, mute”), used in mathematics for “irrational,” reflecting ἄλογος (álogos, “irrational, speechless”) as found in Euclid, apparently transmitted via Arabic جِذْر أَصَمّ (jiḏr ʔaṣamm, “deaf root”). The phonetic sense, “voiceless,” emerged in the 18th century. Doublet of surdo.
Surd: Your Questions Answered
Is surd a noun or an adjective?
Surd is mainly used as a noun, but it can also be used as an adjective.
What is another word for surd?
Close synonyms of surd are voiceless, unvoiced and voiceless consonant. See the full list of surd synonyms and antonyms.
What is the plural of surd?
The plural of surd is surds.
What are the comparative and superlative forms of surd?
The comparative form is more surd and the superlative form is most surd.