[lahyb-nits; Ger. lahyp-nits] 
Gott⋅fried Wil⋅helm von [Ger. gawt-freet vil-helm fuh n] , 1646–1716, German philosopher, writer, and mathematician. |
[lahyb-nit-see-uhn] , adjective, noun | Leib·niz or Leib·nitz (līb'nĭts, līp'-) German philosopher and mathematician. He invented differential and integral calculus independently of Newton and proposed an optimist metaphysical theory that included the notion that we live in "the best of all possible worlds." |
| Leibniz (līb'nĭts) Pronunciation Key
German philosopher and mathematician who invented the mathematical processes of differentiation and integration, which greatly expanded the field of calculus. Leibniz also established the foundations of probability theory and conceived the idea for a practical calculating machine. |