Definition

Proper noun A German mathematician and scientist who made profound contributions to many fields, including number theory, algebra, statistics, analysis, differential geometry, geodesy, geophysics, mechanics, electrostatics, astronomy, and optics. He is often referred to as the "Prince of Mathematicians" for his exceptional influence and breadth of work.

Examples of Usage

• Proper noun:
  • The normal distribution is often called the Gaussian distribution after Karl Gauss.
  • Many consider Karl Gauss to be one of the greatest mathematicians in history.
  • The fundamental theorem of algebra was conclusively proven by Karl Gauss.

Advanced Usage

• "Gaussian": An adjective form used to describe concepts, distributions, or principles derived from or related to the work of Karl Gauss.
  • A Gaussian surface is a hypothetical closed surface used in calculating electric flux.
  • The data followed a perfect Gaussian curve.

Variants and Related Words

• Carl Friedrich Gauss: The full name, including his middle name.
• Gaussian (adj.): Pertaining to or characteristic of the work of Karl Gauss.
• Gauss (n.): The unit of magnetic flux density in the centimeter-gram-second system, named in his honor.

Synonyms

• Carl Friedrich Gauss
• The Prince of Mathematicians (an epithet)

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "A Gauss of his time": (A less common, figurative phrase) Used to describe someone with extraordinary and wide-ranging intellectual prowess in mathematics or science.
  • Her ability to see connections between disparate fields made her a Gauss of her time.

Noun

1. German mathematician who developed the theory of numbers and who applied mathematics to electricity and magnetism and astronomy and geodesy (1777-1855)