antenairesis means alternating, reciprocal, or continuing subtraction used in the Euclidean algorithm.
Why “antenairesis” is a great word
Alternating, reciprocal subtraction used to find a common measure. From Ancient Greek ἀνταναίρεσις (antanaíresis), from ἀντί (antí, "opposite") + ἀναίρεσις (anaíresis, "subtraction"). Used by Aristotle; identified by Alexander of Aphrodisias as Aristotle's term for ἀνθυφαίρεσις (anthyphaíresis, "anthyphairesis"), from ἀνθυφαιρέω (anthuphairéō, "to subtract in turn, subtract reciprocally"). Unlike anthyphairesis, the standard Greek mathematical term, or the Euclidean algorithm, its modern generalization, antenairesis is the philosopher’s conception of subtraction as dialectical confrontation. It is the measured, rhythmic counting-down of two lengths against each other, the quiet erasure of line by equal line, the patient hollowing of a length by its own offspring—the stark, elegant dance of diminution that seeks unity in mutual reduction.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ἀνταναίρεσις (antanaíresis), from ἀντί (antí, “opposite”) + ἀναίρεσις (anaíresis, “subtraction”). Used by Aristotle; identified by Alexander of Aphrodisias as Aristotle's term for ἀνθυφαίρεσις (anthuphaíresis, “anthyphairesis”), from ἀνθυφαιρέω (anthuphairéō, “to subtract in turn, subtract reciprocally”).
noun
- Alternating, reciprocal, or continuing subtraction used in the Euclidean algorithm.
Definitions & examples from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 3.0).
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