PROBLEM • DICCIONARIO INGLES.COM • Definition of Problem

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/prˈɑbləm/ Listen

noun

Problem n.

A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt.

(Math.) Anything which is required to be done; as, in geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or, in algebra, to find an unknown quantity. Note: Problem differs from theorem in this, that a problem is something to be done, as to bisect a triangle, to describe a circle, etc.; a theorem is something to be proved, as that all the angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles.

Plane problem (Geom.), a problem that can be solved by the use of the rule and compass.

Solid problem (Geom.), a problem requiring in its geometric solution the use of a conic section or higher curve.

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Etymology of 'Problem'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Problem" Quotes from Famous Books

... be. And what is marvelous to think of, the larger part of these persons are actually licensed by the State to get gain by hurting, depraving and destroying the people. Think of it, Mr. Dinneford! The whole question lies in a nutshell. There is no difficulty about the problem. Restrain men from doing harm to each other, and the work ...

— Cast Adrift • T. S. Arthur

... daughter, a pretty young Frenchwoman, the only servant who remained behind when the household fled at the approach of the Germans, is both cook and housekeeper, and when I arrived I found the seven military attaches resolved into a board of strategy trying to work out the important problem of securing a pure milk supply ...

— The New York Times Current History of the European War, Vol 1, Issue 4, January 23, 1915 • Various

... keeping tabs on the trail, though he realized that if there arose any knotty problem that Tony could not solve, his own ...

— Chums in Dixie - or The Strange Cruise of a Motorboat • St. George Rathborne

... him. He was timid, uncertain, pious and given to tears—"bo'hn on a wet Friday"—as Archie B. had often said. He was always the effect of Archie B.'s cause, the illustration of his theorem, the solution of his problem of mischief, the penalty of ...

— The Bishop of Cottontown - A Story of the Southern Cotton Mills • John Trotwood Moore

... alone in the thick wood that skirts the lake near his farm, he was discussing this problem with himself; and every now and then he repeated his question, "Shall I throw it up, and give him the lease back if he likes?" On a sudden he heard ...

— J. S. Le Fanu's Ghostly Tales, Volume 3 • Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu

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