Sum \Sum\, n. [OE. summe, somme, OF. sume, some, F. somme, L.
summa, fr. summus highest, a superlative from sub under. See
Sub-, and cf. Supreme.]
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.
Note: Sum is now commonly applied to an aggregate of numbers,
and number to an aggregate of persons or things.
2. A quantity of money or currency; any amount, indefinitely;
as, a sum of money; a small sum, or a large sum. ``The sum
of forty pound.'' --Chaucer.
With a great sum obtained I this freedom. --Acts
xxii. 28.
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.
4. Height; completion; utmost degree.
Thus have I told thee all my state, and brought My
story to the sum of earthly bliss. --Milton.
5. (Arith.) A problem to be solved, or an example to be
wrought out. --Macaulay.
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.
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. [Obs.]
``In sum, the gospel . .
. prescribes every virtue to our conduct, and forbids
every sin.'' --Rogers.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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