The Evolution of Mathematical Terminology: From Antiquity to the Present

Oleksandra Kisilevych

Information about the author:  

PhD in Physics and Mathematics, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Computer Science, Applied and Higher Mathematics, Lviv University of Trade and Economics

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0753-8340

e-mail: l_kisilevych@ukr.net

Title: The Evolution of Mathematical Terminology: From Antiquity to the Present

https://doi.org/10.37919/2221-8807-2025-8-24

Rubric: Natural Sciences

Abstract: This article explores the evolution of mathematical terminology from antiquity to the pre-sent day. It analyzes the key stages of the development of mathematical language, starting from the first terms in ancient civilizations to the formation of modern universal mathematical terminology, which enables mathematicians from different parts of the world to communicate and ex-change knowledge. Particular attention is paid to the influence of ancient, medieval, and Renaissance scholars on the formation of mathematical terms, as well as the contributions of prominent mathematicians of the 17th–19th centuries in developing symbolism and standards for mathematical notation. The article also examines the role of globalization and the development of digital technologies in shaping modern mathematical terminology, as well as the challenges that arise in translating mathematical terms into different languages. The influence of the English language as an international standard in scientific publications and the difficulties associated with adapting terms to national contexts are also discussed. The article concludes with insights into the future prospects of the development of mathematical language and its role in interdisciplinary research.

Keywords: mathematical terminology, history of mathematics, mathematical language, symbolism, globalization, digital technologies, scientific communication.

References:

Bevz, V.H. (1990). Introduction to the history of mathematics (6th ed.). Kharkiv: Osnova (in Ukr.).
Gauss, C.F. (2010). Number theory and mathematical investigations. Odesa: Odesa National University (in Ukr.).
Honcharenko, S.U. (1997). Ukrainian scientific language: Formation and functioning. Kyiv: Naukova Dumka (in Ukr.).
Gray, J. (2012). History of mathematics: An introduction. Kharkiv: Folio (in Ukr.).
Green, T. (2018). The English language in science: The history of mathematical terms and symbols. Kyiv: Fenyks (in Ukr.).
Descartes, R. (1999). Mathematical reflections. Lvіv: Svit (in Ukr.).
Zakharchenko, L. (2016). The history of the development of mathematical terms in Europe. Kyiv: Litera (in Ukr.).
Kline, M. (2001). Mathematics: The loss of certainty. Kyiv: Naukova dumka (in Ukr.).
Leibniz, G. (1981). Philosophy of mathematics and logic. Kyiv: Akademia (in Ukr.).
Slukhai, V.O. (2010). Mathematical terminology: Historical aspects of development. Kharkiv: Osnova (in Ukr.).
Hummel, G. (2006). The history of mathematics from antiquity to the present. Kharkiv: Vyshcha Shkola (in Ukr.).
Shvets, I.B. (2008). Ukrainian mathematical terminology: Genesis and modernity. Kyiv: Osvita Ukrainy (in Ukr.).