sextic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Extremely RareTechnical / Mathematical; Literary (rare)
Quick answer
What does “sextic” mean?
A mathematical term referring to a polynomial equation of the sixth degree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mathematical term referring to a polynomial equation of the sixth degree.
Of, pertaining to, or involving the sixth power or degree in mathematics; occasionally used in poetry to refer to a six-line stanza.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant dialectal differences in meaning. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical or academic in both regions.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US English, confined to specialized mathematics contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sextic” in a Sentence
The sextic [verb: is, was, can be] solved/...A [modifier: general, irreducible, specific] sextic equationVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sextic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The curve is described by a sextic function.
- They studied the properties of sextic equations.
American English
- The problem involved a sextic polynomial.
- He specialized in sextic curves.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used exclusively in advanced mathematics, particularly algebra, number theory, and geometry.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The sole domain of use; describes equations, curves, or surfaces of the sixth degree.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sextic”
- Misspelling as 'sexctic' or 'sextick'.
- Using it to mean 'related to six of something' outside of mathematics.
- Confusing it with 'sextant' (a navigation instrument).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an extremely rare technical term used almost exclusively in advanced mathematics.
Yes, primarily as a noun meaning 'a sextic equation or polynomial' (e.g., 'He solved the sextic').
They are synonyms, both meaning 'of the sixth degree,' though 'sextic' (from Latin 'sextus') is more common in modern mathematical literature than the Greek-derived 'hexic'.
Extremely rarely, it can refer to a six-line stanza in poetry, but this usage is archaic and highly specialised.
A mathematical term referring to a polynomial equation of the sixth degree.
Sextic is usually technical / mathematical; literary (rare) in register.
Sextic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkstɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkstɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SEX (six in Latin) + TIC (as in 'arithmetic') = a sixth-degree arithmetic problem.
Conceptual Metaphor
Degree as a measure of complexity or height (e.g., a 'higher-degree' problem).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'sextic' primarily used?