number
number
(nŭmʹbər) noun
1.
Mathematics. a. A member of the set of positive integers; one of a series of symbols of unique meaning in a fixed order that can be derived by counting. b. A member of any of the further sets of mathematical objects, such as negative integers and real numbers, that can be derived from the positive integers by induction.
2. numbers Arithmetic.
3. Abbr. no., n., num., No. a. A symbol or word used to represent a number. b. A numeral or a series of numerals used for reference or identification: his telephone number; the apartment number.
4. a. A position in an ordered sequence that corresponds to one of the positive integers: the house that is number three from the corner; ranked number six in her class. b. One item in a group or series considered to be in numerical order: an old number of a magazine.
5. A total; a sum: the number of feet in a mile.
6. An indefinite quantity of units or individuals: The crowd was small in number. A number of people complained about the poor lighting in the museum.
7. numbers a. A large quantity; a multitude: Numbers of people visited the fair. b. Numerical superiority: The South had leaders, the North numbers.
8. Grammar. The indication, as by inflection, of the singularity or plurality of a linguistic form.
9. numbers a. Metrical feet or lines; verses: "These numbers will I tear, and write in prose" (Shakespeare). b. Obsolete. Poetic meter.
10. numbers Archaic. Musical periods or measures.
11. numbers
(used with a sing. or pl. verb) Games. A numbers game.
12. Numbers
(used with a sing. verb) Abbr. Nb., Num.
13. A book of the Bible.
14. One of the separate offerings in a program of music or other entertainment: The band's second number was a ballad.
15. Slang. A frequently repeated, characteristic speech, argument, or performance: The suspects will do their usual numberprotesting innocenceand then confess.
16. Slang. A person or thing singled out for a particular characteristic: a suspect who was a crafty number.
verb
numbered
, numbering, numbers
verb
, transitive
1.
To assign a number to.
2.
To determine the number or amount of; count.
3.
To total in number or amount; add up to.
4.
To include in a group or category: He was numbered among the lost.
5.
To mention one by one; enumerate.
6.
To limit or restrict in number: Our days are numbered.
verb
, intransitive
1.
To call off numbers; count: numbering to ten.
2.
To constitute a group or number: The applicants numbered in the thousands.
idiom.
by the numbers
1.
In unison as numbers are called out by a leader: performing calisthenics by the numbers.
2.
In a strict, step-by-step or mechanical way.
do a number on
Slang
To defeat, abuse, or humiliate in a calculated and thorough way.
get (someone's) number or have (someone's) number
To determine or know someone's real character or motives.
without number or beyond number (nŭmʹbər)
Too many to be counted; countless: Mosquitoes without number filled the yard.
[Middle English nombre, from Old French, from Latin numerus.]
num
ʹberer noun
Usage Note:
As a collective noun number may take either a singular or a plural verb. It takes a singular verb when it is preceded by the definite article the: The number of skilled workers is small. It takes a plural verb when preceded by the indefinite article a: A number of the workers are unskilled.