incommensurable

English

Etymology

From mediaeval Latin incommensurabilis.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɪnkəˈmɛnsjʊəɹəbəl/

Adjective

incommensurable (comparative more incommensurable, superlative most incommensurable)

1. (mathematics) That cannot be measured as an integer or fraction; irrational.
2. Not able to be measured by the same standards as another term in the context; see measurement; contrast with unmeasurable or immeasurable, each of which means not able to be measured at all, the former more generally, the latter generally due to some infinite quality of the thing being described

   The side and diagonal of a square are incommensurable with each other; the diameter and circumference of a circle are incommensurable.

Translations

in mathematics

• Czech: nesoudělný (cs) m

• Swedish: inkommensurabel

of two aspects or attributes

• Czech: nesouměřitelný (cs) m

• French: sans commune mesure (fr)

Noun

incommensurable (plural incommensurables)

1. An incommensurable value or quantity; an irrational number.
   • 1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western Philosophy, ch. 3:

     Unfortunately for Pythagoras, his theorem led at once to the discovery of incommensurables, which appeared to disprove his whole philosophy.