number
Meaning
-
- An abstract entity used to describe quantity.
- A numeral: a symbol for a non-negative integer.
- An element of one of several sets: natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers, and sometimes extensions such as hypercomplex numbers, etc.
- Indicating the position of something in a list or sequence. Abbreviations: No or No., no or no. (in each case, sometimes written with a superscript "o", like Nº or №). The symbol "#" is also used in this manner.
- Quantity.
- A sequence of digits and letters used to register people, automobiles, and various other items.
- (informal) A telephone number.
- Of a word or phrase, the state of being singular, dual or plural, shown by inflection.
- Poetic metres; verses, rhymes.
- A performance; especially, a single song or song and dance routine within a larger show.
- (informal) A person.
- (informal) An outfit, particularly a stylish one.
- (slang) A marijuana cigarette, or joint; also, a quantity of marijuana bought from a dealer.
- An issue of a periodical publication.
- A large amount, in contrast to a smaller amount; numerical preponderance.
- An activity; assignment; job, as in cushy number.
Frequency
Hyphenated as
num‧ber
Pronounced as (IPA)
/ˈnʌmbə/
Etymology
From Middle English number, nombre, numbre, noumbre, from Anglo-Norman noumbre, Old French nombre, from Latin numerus (“number”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *nem- (“to divide”). Compare Saterland Frisian Nummer, Nuumer, West Frisian nûmer, Dutch nummer (“number”), German Nummer (“number”), Danish nummer (“number”), Swedish nummer (“number”), Icelandic númer (“number”). Replaced Middle English ȝetæl and rime, more at tell, tale and rhyme.
New
numb
-
- Physically unable to feel, not having the power of sensation.
- Emotionally unable to feel or respond in a normal way.
- Dumb or stupid.
- (obsolete) Causing numbness.
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