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The mathematical sign for addition, written as an upright cross.
Also known as: Addition sign, Add symbol, Positive sign
The plus sign marks addition, and in other contexts a positive quantity, an increase, or a favourable value. It reached print in the late fifteenth century and displaced earlier written abbreviations for 'and'.
Indicates addition between two quantities, as in 2 + 2, and is read aloud as 'plus'.
Contexts: Mathematics
Marks a positive quantity, an increase, or a favourable reading — a positive blood group, a temperature above zero, a school grade of B+.
Contexts: Mathematics
Appears in print from the late fifteenth century, developing from a shorthand for the Latin 'et' ('and') rather than being devised as a mathematical sign.
15th century onward · Contexts: Mathematics
Two equal strokes crossing at right angles, one horizontal and one vertical.
Doubling the plus sign changes it from addition to a modification in place, which is routinely misread as addition.
Addition against subtraction.
Both are upright crosses; the plus sign has equal arms meeting at the centre.