Word of the Day: TRANSCENDENTAL

Beyond what is normal or known

transcendental (adj) - relating to a spiritual, supernatural, or nonphysical realm; beyond ordinary experience; transcendent

BREAKDOWN: TRANS- (beyond) + SCEN- (climb) + -ENT (being) + -AL (pertaining to)

• a transcendental number (e.g. pi) is not algebraic, meaning not the root of any integer or rational polynomial

• transcendent means beyond or above the range of normal limits or ordinary experience; consummate or supreme

• Transcendentalism was a 19th-century American philosophical movement that emphasized individualism, idealism, and the divinity of nature

“Math is the beautiful, rich, joyful, playful, surprising, frustrating, humbling and creative art that speaks to something transcendental. It is worthy of much exploration and examination because it is intrinsically beautiful, nothing more to say. Why play the violin? Because it is beautiful! Why engage in math? Because it too is beautiful!” —James Tanton

[Fun Word Friday introduces more advanced or technical words that are based on word roots. Yes, these words may still be tested on standardized exams. Try to use this word in a sentence today!]