Hypertext Webster Gateway: "problem"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Problem \Prob"lem\, n. [F. probl[`e]me, L. problema, fr. Gr. ?
anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution,
fr. ? to throw or lay before; ? before, forward + ? to throw.
Cf. {Parable}. ]
1. A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for
examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of
solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question
involving doubt. --Bacon.
2. (Math.) Anything which is required to be done; as, in
geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or,
in algebra, to find an unknown quantity.
Note: Problem differs from theorem in this, that a problem is
something to be done, as to bisect a triangle, to
describe a circle, etc.; a theorem is something to be
proved, as that all the angles of a triangle are equal
to two right angles.
{Plane problem} (Geom.), a problem that can be solved by the
use of the rule and compass.
{Solid problem} (Geom.), a problem requiring in its geometric
solution the use of a conic section or higher curve.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
problem
n 1: a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved; "she and
her husband are having problems"; "it is always a job to
contact him"; "urban problems such as traffic congestion
and smog" [syn: {job}]
2: a source of difficulty: "one trouble after another delayed
the job"; "what's the problem?" [syn: {trouble}]
3: a question raised for consideration or solution; "our
homework consisted of ten problems to solve"
Additional Hypertext Webster Gateway Lookup
Gateway by dict@stokkie.net
stock only wrote the gateway and does not have any control over the contents;
see the Webster Gateway FAQ,
and also the Back-end/database links and credits.