number: meaning and definitions

Mathematics 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.

Mathematics A member of any of the further sets of mathematical objects, such as negative integers and real numbers.

Arithmetic.

A symbol or word used to represent a number.

A numeral or a series of numerals used for reference or identification: his telephone number; the apartment number.

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.

One item in a group or series considered to be in numerical order: an old number of a magazine.

A total; a sum: the number of feet in a mile.

An indefinite quantity of units or individuals: The crowd was small in number. A number of people complained.

A large quantity; a multitude: Numbers of people visited the fair.

Numerical superiority: The South had leaders, the North numbers.

Grammar The indication, as by inflection, of the singularity, duality, or plurality of a linguistic form.

Metrical feet or lines; verses: "These numbers will I tear, and write in prose” ( Shakespeare).

Obsolete Poetic meter.

Archaic Musical periods or measures.

Games A numbers game.

See Table at Bible.

One of the separate offerings in a program of music or other entertainment: The band's second number was a march.

Slang A frequently repeated, characteristic speech, argument, or performance: suspects doing their usual number—protesting innocence.

Slang A person or thing singled out for a particular characteristic: a crafty number.

To assign a number to.

To determine the number or amount of; count.

To total in number or amount; add up to.

To include in a group or category: He was numbered among the lost.

To mention one by one; enumerate.