Boolean algebra

Meanings

1. An algebraic structure (Σ,∨,∧,∼,0,1) where ∨ and ∧ are idempotent binary operators, ∼ is a unary involutory operator (called "complement"), and 0 and 1 are nullary operators (i.e., constants), such that (Σ,∨,0) is a commutative monoid, (Σ,∧,1) is a commutative monoid, ∧ and ∨ distribute with respect to each other, and such that combining two complementary elements through one binary operator yields the identity of the other binary operator. (See Boolean algebra (structure)#Axiomatics.)
2. Specifically, an algebra in which all elements can take only one of two values (typically 0 and 1, or "true" and "false") and are subject to operations based on AND, OR and NOT
3. The study of such algebras; Boolean logic, classical logic.

Etymology

Named after George Boole (1815–1864), an English mathematician, educator, philosopher and logician.