abelian

adjective

abe·​li·​an ə-ˈbē-lē-ən How to pronounce abelian (audio)
variants or Abelian
: of, relating to, having, or being the property that a given mathematical operation and set have when the result obtained using any two elements of the set with the operation does not differ with the order in which the elements are used : commutative sense 2
abelian groups
an abelian ring

Examples of abelian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But topological abelian groups lack the particular properties that category theorists desire. — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 20 May 2026 But every one of those steps was much more complicated for abelian surfaces. — Joseph Howlett, Wired News, 27 July 2025 Microsoft is trying to chase a new quantum computer based on a new topography and a yet-undiscovered particle called non-abelian anyons. — Agam Shah, PCWorld, 4 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

Niels Abel †1829 Norwegian mathematician

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abelian was circa 1889

Rhymes for abelian

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Browse Nearby Words

abelia
abelian
abelite
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Cite this Entry

“Abelian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abelian. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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