The word "undefined" is spelled with the prefix "un-" which means "not" or "lack of", combined with the word "defined" which means "clearly outlined or explained". The pronounced IPA phonetic transcription of "undefined" is ʌn.dɪˈfaɪnd. The first syllable "ʌn" is pronounced with a schwa vowel sound, and the second syllable "dɪ" is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The stress is on the third syllable "faɪnd", which is pronounced with the long "i" sound followed by the "nd" consonant blend.
Undefined refers to something that lacks a clear or specific definition, meaning, or value. It is a term commonly used in mathematics, computer programming, and logic.
In mathematics, undefined typically refers to an expression or operation that does not make sense or has no meaning. For instance, dividing zero by zero or taking the square root of a negative number results in an undefined value. These situations are considered undefined because there is no valid answer or result within the given context.
In computer programming, undefined can occur when a variable or value has not been assigned a specific value or when a program attempts to perform an operation that is not defined or allowed. This can lead to unpredictable behavior or errors within the program.
In logic, undefined often refers to a term or concept that has not been precisely or rigorously defined. It may have different interpretations or lack a universally accepted definition. These undefined terms are usually taken as primitive notions or assumptions upon which the rest of the logical system is built.
Overall, undefined denotes a lack of clarity, specificity, or recognized meaning in various contexts, such as mathematics, computer programming, and logic. It highlights situations where certain expressions, values, operations, or concepts do not possess a well-defined or universally accepted definition or result.
Not having its limits described; not described by definition or explanation.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "undefined" is derived from the combination of two elements: "un-" and "defined".
The prefix "un-" is from Old English and is used to negate or reverse the meaning of a word. It indicates the absence or lack of something.
The word "defined" comes from the Latin word "definire", which means "to set boundaries" or "to determine". It entered the English language through the Old French word "definir" in the 14th century.
Therefore, when combined, "undefined" literally means "not having boundaries or limits set" or "not determined". It describes something that lacks a clear or specific definition or is not well-defined.