01 n. The aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes, quantities, or particulars; the amount or whole of any number of individuals or particula…
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1.
The aggregate of two or more numbers, magnitudes, quantities, or particulars; the amount or whole of any number of individuals or particulars added together; as, the sum of 5 and 7 is 12.“Take ye the sum of all the congregation.” — Num. i. 2.
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2.
A quantity of money or currency; any amount, indefinitely; as, a sum of money; a small sum, or a large sum.“With a great sum obtained I this freedom.” — Acts xxii. 28.
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3.
The principal points or thoughts when viewed together; the amount; the substance; compendium; as, this is the sum of all the evidence in the case; this is the sum and substance of his objections.
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4.
Height; completion; utmost degree.“Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought My story to the sum of earthly bliss.” — Milton.
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5.
A problem to be solved, or an example to be wrought out.(Arith.)“A sum in arithmetic wherein a flaw discovered at a particular point is ipso facto fatal to the whole.” — Gladstone.“A large sheet of paper . . . covered with long sums.” — Dickens.
Phrases & compounds
Algebraic sum —
as distinguished from arithmetical sum, the aggregate of two or more numbers or quantities taken with regard to their signs, as + or -, according to the rules of addition in algebra; thus, the algebraic sum of -2, 8, and -1 is 5.
In sum —
in short; in brief.