geometricalis

Forms

geōmetricālis (neuter geōmetricāle); third-declension two-termination adjective^[1][2]

Etymology

It is from Latin geōmetrica (“geometry”) + -ālis.^[1][2]

Earliest recorded meaning

The oldest text the dictionaries cite is the geometry ascribed to Boethius, which speaks of the mēnsa geōmetricālis, the reckoning board or abacus.^[3][2][1] The first dated use is in Gerbert's geometry (980–982), of measuring by geometrical rule.^[3][4]

Semantic evolution

Medieval writers used it for anything concerning geometry or land surveying: Rupert of Deutz supposes that Moses reckoned in geometrical cubits.^[3] With mēnsa or tabula it named the abacus, which a mathematical text glosses as mēnsa geōmetricālis.^[3][4]

The neuter plural became a noun for geometrical matters in Albertus Magnus,^[3] and in Britain for geometry itself in Wycliffe.^[5] Adelard of Bath writes of “geometrical and arithmetical rules”.^[5] The adverb geōmetricāliter means “according to the rules of geometry”.^[3]

Timeline

• 980–982 – Gerbert uses it in his geometry.^[3][4]
• 13th century – Albertus Magnus uses the neuter plural as a noun.^[3][4]

Meanings

Adjective

1. Of or relating to geometry or land surveying.^[3][1][5]
2. In mēnsa geōmetricālis and tabula geōmetricālis: an abacus, a reckoning board.^[3][4]
3. (Medieval Latin, neuter plural as noun) Geometry, geometrical matters.^[5][3]

Related words

• geōmetria
• geōmetricus

References

1. ^ a b c d Georges, Karl Ernst (1913–1918), Ausführliches lateinisch-deutsches Handwörterbuch, 8th ed., ed. Heinrich Georges, Hannover; Leipzig: Hahn
2. ^ a b c Gaffiot, Félix (2016), Dictionnaire latin-français, new ed. by Gérard Gréco et al. (Gaffiot 2016), online ed.
3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Mittellateinisches Wörterbuch bis zum ausgehenden 13. Jahrhundert (1967–), Munich: C. H. Beck; Bayerische Akademie der Wissenschaften
4. ^ a b c d e Köbler, Gerhard (2010), Lateinisches Abkunfts- und Wirkungswörterbuch für Altertum und Mittelalter, online ed., koeblergerhard.de
5. ^ a b c d Latham, R. E., D. R. Howlett, R. K. Ashdowne, et al. (1975–2013), Dictionary of Medieval Latin from British Sources, London: British Academy / Oxford University Press