permutation group

noun

A group whose elements are permutations (self-bijections) of a given set and whose group operation is function composition.

Similar
transformation group

Meanings

nounpermutation group (plural permutation groups)

plural permutation groups

  1. algebraA group whose elements are permutations (self-bijections) of a given set and whose group operation is function composition.

    The Galois group G(L_f /C(x)) is called the monodromy group of f, denoted Mon(f), and viewed as a permutation group on the conjugates of y over C(x).

    1996, Helmut Volklein, Groups as Galois Groups: An Introduction, page 47
    2 more examples

    In this chapter we shall be concerned with the relationship between permutation groups and graphs. We begin by explaining how a transitive permutation group may be represented graphically, and then we reverse the process, showing that a graph gives rise to a permutation group.

    1979, Norman L. Biggs, A. T. White, Permutation Groups and Combinatorial Structures, page 80

    Now, groups are axiomatically defined, and the above concept is a permutation group, that is, a subgroup of the symmetric group.[…]The study of finite permutation groups is one of the oldest parts of group theory, motivated initially by its connection with solvability of equations.

    2002, Peter J. Cameron, “B.5 Permutation Groups”, in Alexander V. Mikhalev, Günter F. Pilz, editors, The Concise Handbook of Algebra, page 86

    Synonyms: transformation group

Synonyms & antonyms

nounA group whose elements are permutations (self-bijections) of a given set and whose group operation is function composition.

Similar
transformation group

Translations

Finnish permutaatioryhmä
  • permutaatioryhmägroup whose elements are permutations
French groupe de permutations
  • groupe de permutationsgroup whose elements are permutations
Cite this entry
APA

permutation group. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/permutation%20group

MLA

“permutation group.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/permutation%20group. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “permutation group,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/permutation%20group.

Source: permutation group on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.