— sumless , adj. — sumlessness , n.
/sum/ , n. , v. , summed, summing .
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.
11. to combine into an aggregate or total (often fol. by up ).
12. to ascertain the sum of, as by addition.
13. to bring into or contain in a small compass (often fol. by up ).
v.i.
14. to amount (usually fol. by to or into ): Their expenses summed into the thousands.
15. 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.
[ 1250-1300; (n.) ME summe summa sum, n. use of fem. of summus highest, superl. of superus (see SUPERIOR); (v.) ME summen ( summer ) summare, deriv. of summa ]
Syn. 1. See number .