pseudoprime

English

Etymology

From pseudo- +‎ prime.

Pronunciation

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Noun

pseudoprime (plural pseudoprimes)

1. (mathematics) An integer that possesses at least one characteristic of a prime number without actually being prime. The characteristic is typically chosen to make such "false primes" very rare.
2. (mathematics, specifically) A Fermat pseudoprime; a composite integer n satisfying $b^{n-1}\equiv 1{\pmod {n}}$ for some integer b such that b > 1.

Usage notes

In the sense of a Fermat pseudoprime, if no base is specified, base two is assumed. Integers that satisfy the congruence for a particular b are referred to as "pseudoprimes to base b" or "pseudoprimes to the base b."

Derived terms

• Fermat pseudoprime

Adjective

pseudoprime (not comparable)

1. Being such an integer.