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Surd
Open directlyWebster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 1 of 2
Part of speech: noun (n.)
1. A quantity which can not be expressed by rational numbers; thus, *2 is a surd.
2. A surd element of speech. See Surd, a., 4.
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 2 of 2
Part of speech: adjective (a.)
1. Net having the sense of hearing; deaf. [Obs.] "A surd . . . generation." Sir T. Browne.
2. Unheard. [Obs.] Kenrick.
3. Involving surds; not capable of being expressed in rational numbers; radical; irrational; as, a surd expression or quantity; a surd number.
4. Uttered, as an element of speech, without tone, or proper vocal sound; voiceless; unintonated; nonvocal; atonic; whispered; aspirated; sharp; hard, as f, p, s, etc.; -- opposed to sonant. See Guide to Pronunciation, §§169, 179, 180.