{ } (English symbol name curly brackets or braces )
( mathematics ) Encloses a mathematical phrase which has increased operator precedence.
10/2+3 = 5+3 = 8
10/{ 2+3} = 10/5 = 2
( mathematics ) Indicates the fractional part .
{3.14} = 0.14
( set theory ) Encloses a set.
Set of positive divisors of 6 = { 1, 2, 3} .
The set of even numbers can be written as { n ∊ ℤ : ∃ k ∊ ℤ: n = 2k } .
( set theory ) Empty set.
Set of natural numbers between 2 and 3 = { } .
Alternative form: {}
Synonym: ∅
( programming ) Used in some programming languages , especially C-type languages.
Encloses the body of a function .
doSomethingTwice () { return doSomething () + doSomething () }
Encloses each branch of a conditional .
if (x>4) { result = "congratulations!" }
( phonology ) Delimiter for morphophonemic transcription, especially when presented as sets of phonemes rather than as single symbols for archiphonemes .
E.g. la{t,d}er for the conflated pronunciation of ladder and latter in American English, versus ⫽laDer⫽, ‖laDer‖ or |laDer|, where ⟨D⟩ stands for {t, d}, though {laDer} is also seen.
( phonetics ) Sets off VoQS notation.
( mathematical precedence ) ( ) , [ ]
( linguistic delimiter ) : | | , ‖ ‖ , ⫽
{ }
Encloses a series of equal choices .
Select your animal { goat, sheep, cow, horse} and follow me.
( papyrology, epigraphy ) Encloses writing by the original scribe that the editor considers erroneous.
In English, this symbol is called curly brackets or braces .