Search

Search results

Displaying 431 - 440

algebra

(Encyclopedia) algebra, branch of mathematics concerned with operations on sets of numbers or other elements that are often represented by symbols. Algebra is a generalization of arithmetic and gains…

tenure, in law

(Encyclopedia) tenure, in law, manner in which property in land is held. The nature of tenure has long been of great importance, both in law and in the broader economic and political context. Tenure…

Rousseau, Jean Jacques

(Encyclopedia) Rousseau, Jean JacquesRousseau, Jean JacqueszhäN zhäk [key]Rousseau, Jean Jacques r&oomacr;sōˈ [key], 1712–78, Swiss-French philosopher, author, political theorist, and composer…

Gettysburg Address

(Encyclopedia) Gettysburg Address, speech delivered by Abraham Lincoln on Nov. 19, 1863, at the dedication of the national cemetery on the Civil War battlefield of Gettysburg, Pa. It is one of the…

Nassau, former duchy, Germany

(Encyclopedia) NassauNassaunäˈsou [key], former duchy, W central Germany, situated N and E of the Main and Rhine rivers. It is now mostly included in the state of Hesse, and partly in the state of…

Tay-Sachs disease

(Encyclopedia) Tay-Sachs diseaseTay-Sachs diseasetāˈ-săksˈ [key], rare hereditary disease caused by a genetic mutation that leaves the body unable to produce an enzyme necessary for fat metabolism in…

war

(Encyclopedia) war, armed conflict between states or nations (international war) or between factions within a state (civil war), prosecuted by force and having the purpose of compelling the defeated…

Edgar Atheling

(Encyclopedia) Edgar AthelingEdgar Athelingăthˈəlĭng [key] [O.E. ætheling,=son of the king], 1060?–1125?, English prince, grandson of Edmund Ironside. After the death of King Harold at the battle of…

Corneille, Pierre

(Encyclopedia) Corneille, PierreCorneille, Pierrepyĕr kôrnāˈyə [key], 1606–84, French dramatist, ranking with Racine as a master of French classical tragedy. Educated by Jesuits, he practiced law…

cire perdue

(Encyclopedia) cire perduecire perduesēr pĕrdüˈ [key] [Fr.,=lost wax], sculptural process of metal casting that may be used for hollow and solid casting. The sculptor makes a model in plaster or clay…