ordinal number

noun

1. Also called ordinal numeral. any of the numbers that express degree, quality, or position in a series, as first, second, and third ( cardinal number ).
2. Mathematics. a symbol denoting both the cardinal number and the ordering of a given set, being identical for two ordered sets having elements that can be placed into one-to-one correspondence, the correspondence preserving the order of the elements.

ordinal number

noun

1. a number denoting relative position in a sequence, such as first, second, third Sometimes shortened toordinal
2. logic maths a measure of not only the size of a set but also the order of its elements

ordinal number

/ ôr′dn-əl /

1. A number, such as 3rd, 11th, or 412th, used in counting to indicate position in a series but not quantity.
2. Compare cardinal number

Word History and Origins

Origin of ordinal number¹

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

The first column of each page contains the ordinal number of the disturbance for purposes of reference.

From Project Gutenberg

The Latin language often employed the ordinal number instead of the cardinal number.

From Project Gutenberg

Let P be the ordinal number of one of these rings, for example the first counting from the centre.

From Project Gutenberg

Eight′fold, eight times any quantity; Eighth, the ordinal number corresponding to eight.

From Project Gutenberg

Eight′ieth, the ordinal number corresponding to eighty; Eight′y, eight times ten, fourscore.

From Project Gutenberg