Number | Definition, Etymology, Synonyms & Antonyms

Number (noun)

Definition

Number has several meanings depending on the context:

• Quantity or Count: In mathematics, a “number” represents a quantity or count, such as a whole number, fraction, or decimal.
• Identification or Label: A “number” can be used to identify or label something uniquely, like a phone number, house number, or identification number.
• Musical Composition: In music, a “number” refers to a piece or composition, often used in the context of a musical performance or show.

Etymology

The word “number” traces its origins to the Latin word “numerus,” which means “a quantity, count, or number.” It entered Middle English from Old French as “nombre” and has retained its meaning over time.

Synonyms

• Quantity
• Count
• Figure
• Digit
• Numerical value

Antonyms

• None
• Zero
• Nil
• Empty
• Absence

Example

A unique example of a “number” in the context of a musical composition is the “Cell Block Tango” from the musical “Chicago.” In this theatrical performance, each character recounts a story of murder, and the song features individual “numbers” representing each woman’s confession.

How are numbers used in coding and computer programming?

Numbers are essential in coding and computer programming, representing data, variables, and mathematical operations that form the basis of algorithms and software development.

What are the cardinal and ordinal numbers?

Cardinal numbers represent quantity (e.g., one, two, three), while ordinal numbers indicate a position or order in a sequence (e.g., first, second, third).

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