sheffer's stroke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (C2)Highly Technical
Quick answer
What does “sheffer's stroke” mean?
A logical operator (typically symbolized by a vertical bar '|' or an upward arrow '↑') representing the logical NAND operation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A logical operator (typically symbolized by a vertical bar '|' or an upward arrow '↑') representing the logical NAND operation.
In Boolean algebra and logic, it is an operation that outputs false only when both inputs are true, making it a functionally complete singleton (any logical operation can be defined using it alone). It is also the name for the symbol itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or use. Spelling adheres to the possessive 'Sheffer's' in both variants.
Connotations
Purely technical, with no additional connotations in either region.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside specific academic/technical contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sheffer's stroke” in a Sentence
[Subject] is defined using Sheffer's stroke.Sheffer's stroke [verb] a complete set.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sheffer's stroke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No verb form exists]
American English
- [No verb form exists]
adverb
British English
- [No adverb form exists]
American English
- [No adverb form exists]
adjective
British English
- Sheffer-stroke functionality is a key concept.
American English
- A Sheffer-stroke implementation requires only one gate type.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in advanced philosophy, logic, and mathematics papers.
Everyday
Never used.
Technical
Core term in theoretical computer science and digital logic design.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sheffer's stroke”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sheffer's stroke”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sheffer's stroke”
- Misspelling as 'Shephard's stroke' or 'Shefford's stroke'.
- Confusing it with the NOR operation (Peirce's arrow).
- Using it in non-technical contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It was identified by American logician Henry M. Sheffer in 1913.
Yes, Sheffer's stroke is the name for the logical NAND operator and its symbolic representation.
It is 'functionally complete,' meaning any Boolean function can be expressed using only this operator, which has implications for circuit design and logical systems.
Yes, 'Sheffer stroke' is a common variant, though the original and more precise form is the possessive 'Sheffer's stroke'.
A logical operator (typically symbolized by a vertical bar '|' or an upward arrow '↑') representing the logical NAND operation.
Sheffer's stroke is usually highly technical in register.
Sheffer's stroke: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛfəz strəʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɛfərz stroʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No idioms exist for this term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: Sheffer STROKEs out the need for other operators, as it's sufficient on its own.
Conceptual Metaphor
A UNIVERSAL TOOL (a single tool that can build anything else).
Practice
Quiz
What does Sheffer's stroke represent?