adjective / noun

transcendental

A number or function that is not algebraic.

Pi is a transcendental number, unlike the square root of two.

Etymology

Transcendental belongs to the family of transcend, going beyond limits. Mathematics uses it for quantities or functions beyond the class defined as algebraic.

More examples

The number e is transcendental.
The exponential function is transcendental rather than algebraic.
No nonzero polynomial with integer coefficients has a transcendental as a root.

Forms

transcendental · transcendentals

transcendence noun — The mathematical property of being nonalgebraic.

Similar words

nonalgebraic: States the same mathematical property without using the traditional term.