Subscript: meaning, definitions and examples
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subscript
[ ˈsʌbskrɪpt ]
mathematics notation
A subscript is a character or symbol that is written or printed below the normal line of type. In mathematics and chemistry, subscripts are used to denote the number of atoms in a molecule or to indicate the position of an element in a series. For example, in the molecular formula H₂O, the '2' is a subscript indicating that there are two hydrogen atoms in water. Subscripts are also common in indexing and reference systems, where they help in organizing information systematically.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The formula NaCl has a subscript of 1 for sodium.
- In DNA sequences, subscripts indicate specific positions of nucleotides.
- Subscripts are essential in chemical equations to balance the number of atoms.
mathematics notation
To subscript is to add a subscript to a character or symbol. This action is commonly performed in mathematical and scientific writing to clarify expressions. For instance, one might subscript a variable to distinguish between different instances or values. Subscripted variables enhance the clarity of equations and formulas, making them easier to read and understand.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- In formulas, we often subscript variables for clarity.
- You need to subscript the letters to denote different parameters.
- To avoid confusion, always subscript your indices properly.
Translations
Translations of the word "subscript" in other languages:
🇵🇹 subscrito
🇮🇳 उपसर्ग
🇩🇪 Tiefgestellt
🇮🇩 subskrip
🇺🇦 підрядковий
🇵🇱 indeks dolny
🇯🇵 下付き文字
🇫🇷 indice inférieur
🇪🇸 subíndice
🇹🇷 alt simge
🇰🇷 아래 첨자
🇸🇦 رمز فرعي
🇨🇿 dolní index
🇸🇰 dolný index
🇨🇳 下标
🇸🇮 spodnji indeks
🇮🇸 neðri vísir
🇰🇿 төменгі индекс
🇬🇪 ქვედა ინდექსი
🇦🇿 alt indeks
🇲🇽 subíndice
Etymology
The word 'subscript' originates from the Latin word 'subscriptus', which means 'written below'. The term 'sub-' indicates 'under' or 'below', while 'scriptus' is derived from 'scribere', meaning 'to write'. The usage of subscripts dates back to ancient times when scholars and mathematicians began to denote quantities in their manuscripts. As the fields of mathematics and science evolved, the introduction of standardized notation became necessary for clarity in communication. This led to the adoption of subscripts as a convention in writing chemical formulas, mathematical expressions, and other scientific contexts. The use of subscripts has been vital in disciplines such as chemistry, physics, and mathematics, aiding in the representation of complex data succinctly and clearly. Over time, the conventions around subscripting have been solidified, making it an essential element of academic writing and technical publishing.