לפי אתר onlune etymology dictionary המקור הוא בשפה היוונית,
והפירוש המילולי של מקור זה הוא אכן 'מה שנלמד'. הנה:
mathematic (n.)
late 14c. as singular noun, replaced by early 17c. by mathematics, from Latin mathematica (plural), from Greek mathematike tekhne "mathematical science," feminine singular of mathematikos (adj.) "relating to mathematics, scientific, astronomical; disposed to learn," from mathema (genitive mathematos) "science, knowledge, mathematical knowledge; a lesson," literally "that which is learnt;" related to manthanein "to learn," from PIE root *mendh- "to learn." As an adjective, 1540s, from French mathématique or directly from Latin mathematicus.