The Words of Mathematics : An Etymological Dictionary of Mathematical Terms Used in English

Rating:
Summary: Something Pithy
Review: Never have I found a more profoundly helpful text as this, Mr. Steven Schwarztman's opus. My love for this book is like the tangent of pi over two; it goes on forever! I reference it often and have bought several copies already. (for the living room, office, water closet, etc.) Sometimes I find myself lost in Mr. Schartzman's mathematical world of words. The masterful organization of each entry is truly a visual delight. Hats off to you Steven! Bravo.

Rating:
Summary: Something Pithy
Review: Never have I found a more profoundly helpful text as this, Mr. Steven Schwarztman's opus. My love for this book is like the tangent of pi over two; it goes on forever! I reference it often and have bought several copies already. (for the living room, office, water closet, etc.) Sometimes I find myself lost in Mr. Schartzman's mathematical world of words. The masterful organization of each entry is truly a visual delight. Hats off to you Steven! Bravo.

Rating:
Summary: The history of mathematics through words
Review: Words are the currency used in all types of human interactions, but in mathematics they have more precise meanings than in most others. However, while this book is valuable as a reference concerning the definitions of the words, the greatest point of interest is in the origins of their mathematical meanings. I have always been interested in word origins, particularly how the meaning is modified over time. Languages are very dynamic entities, as even the passing of a few generations can lead to significant alterations in both structure and vocabulary.
For these reasons, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, making it one of the few dictionaries that I have read nearly cover to cover, although not in that order. Many of the mathematical words have unexpected origins, reflecting in many ways how ubiquitous mathematics is in life. Also, since it is largely an abstract discipline, some of the words had to be "invented", as there was no real-world analog that adequately describes them.
If you have an interest in the linguistic derivation of mathematical words, then this is one book that you should possess. I occasionally open it at random, and I have never been disappointed in the interesting facts uncovered. Reading them also builds an appreciation for how mathematics has evolved over the centuries.

Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission.