Why Pi Is Called Pi?
Pi ($\pi$) is called pi because it is an abbreviation of the Greek word "περιϕέρεια" (periphery), which literally translates to "circumference" or "periphery"—a direct reference to the properties of a circle.
The use of the Greek letter $\pi$ to represent this fundamental mathematical constant has a clear historical lineage, rooted in the desire for a concise and meaningful symbol.
William Jones and the Greek Connection
The first recorded instance of $\pi$ being used as a mathematical symbol was in 1706 by the Welsh mathematician William Jones. In his work titled Synopsis Palmariorum Matheseos, Jones introduced $\pi$ as an abbreviation. He chose this specific Greek letter because it is the initial letter of the Greek word περιϕέρεια (pronounced peripheria).
This Greek term aptly describes the circumference or "periphery" of a circle, which is central to the definition of pi (the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter). Jones's deliberate choice provided a logical and intuitive name for the constant, which was later popularized by other mathematicians, leading to its widespread adoption across the globe.
Key Details of Pi's Naming
- Who Named It: William Jones, a Welsh mathematician.
- When It Was Named: First recorded in 1706.
- Where It Was Introduced: In his mathematical treatise, Synopsis Palmariorum Matheseos.
- The Root Word: The Greek word περιϕέρεια.
- Meaning of Root Word: Circumference or periphery.
- Reason for Choice: $\pi$ is the first letter of περιϕέρεια, directly relating to the concept of a circle's circumference.
This systematic and symbolic naming helped solidify $\pi$ as the universal representation for this crucial mathematical constant.
Reference:
- "The first recorded use of π as a mathematical symbol comes from the Welsh mathematician William Jones in a 1706 work called Synopsis Palmariorum Matheseos, in which he abbreviated the Greek περιϕέρεια, (meaning “circumference,” or “periphery”) to its first letter: π." – What Does "Pi" Mean, And Where Does It Come From? - Dictionary.com
