Square root
WordNet
noun
(1) A number that when multiplied by itself equals a given number
WiktionaryText
Noun
- Of a number, another number which, when squared, yields the original number; sometimes constrained to be the positive number where two solutions exist.
- Every complex number has two square roots; for example, the square roots of -4 are 2i and -2i.
Usage notes
Even in mathematical contexts, square root generally means positive square root. If there is a chance of ambiguity, prefer constructions like a square root or a complex square root to indicate the strict definition, or the positive square root or similar to indicate the looser sense.