How Do You Spell VIGESIMAL?

Pronunciation: [vˈa͡ɪd͡ʒsɪmə͡l] (IPA)

The word "vigesimal" is spelled with three syllables: vi-ge-si-mal. The IPA phonetic transcription of each syllable is /vɪˈdʒɛsɪməl/. The first syllable begins with the sound /v/ followed by the vowel sound /ɪ/. The second syllable starts with the consonant sound /dʒ/ and is followed by the vowel sound /ɛ/. The third syllable starts with the consonant sound /s/ and is followed by the vowel sound /ɪ/. The word means "based on the number twenty" and is commonly used in mathematics.

VIGESIMAL Meaning and Definition

1. Vigesimal is an adjective used to describe a system or method of counting or numbering based on the number 20. It is derived from the Latin word "viginti," meaning "twenty." In a vigesimal system, each numerical place value represents a multiple of 20, as opposed to the more common decimal (base-10) system where each place value represents a multiple of 10.

   In the vigesimal system, the digits 0 to 19 are used to express numbers, where the digits 0 to 9 represent the values 0 to 9, and the digits 10 to 19 represent the values 10 to 19. The number 20 is represented as 1 in the tens place and 0 in the units place, similar to how 20 in the decimal system is represented as 2 in the tens place and 0 in the units place.

   Historically, vigesimal systems have been used by various cultures and indigenous societies. For instance, the Maya civilization in ancient Mesoamerica utilized a vigesimal system in their numerical representation. This system has also been found in certain Polynesian cultures.

   The vigesimal system is relatively uncommon in modern-day usage, with the decimal system being the predominant and most widely used numerical system worldwide. However, it continues to be of interest to mathematicians and linguists as they study and analyze various numeral systems and their cultural significance.

Common Misspellings for VIGESIMAL

• cigesimal
• bigesimal
• gigesimal
• vigasimal
• vegesimal
• vigessamel
• vidgesemal
• vigasemal

Etymology of VIGESIMAL

The word "vigesimal" has its origins in the Latin word "viginti", meaning "twenty". It is derived from the combination of the Latin word "viginti" and the suffix "-alis", which denotes pertaining to or related to something. Thus, "vigesimal" refers to something that is related to or based on the number twenty.

Similar spelling word for VIGESIMAL

• vigesimally.