IRRATIONAL


Meaning of IRRATIONAL in English

— irrationally , adv. — irrationalness , n.

/i rash"euh nl/ , adj.

1. without the faculty of reason; deprived of reason.

2. without or deprived of normal mental clarity or sound judgment.

3. not in accordance with reason; utterly illogical: irrational arguments.

4. not endowed with the faculty of reason: irrational animals.

5. Math.

a. (of a number) not capable of being expressed exactly as a ratio of two integers.

b. (of a function) not capable of being expressed exactly as a ratio of two polynomials.

6. Algebra. (of an equation) having an unknown under a radical sign or, alternately, with a fractional exponent.

7. Gk. and Lat. Pros.

a. of or pertaining to a substitution in the normal metrical pattern, esp. a long syllable for a short one.

b. noting a foot or meter containing such a substitution.

n.

8. Math. See irrational number .

[ 1425-75; late ME irrationalis. See IR- 2 , RATIONAL ]

Syn. 3. unreasonable, ridiculous; insensate.

Random House Webster's Unabridged English dictionary.      Полный английский словарь Вебстер - Random House .