cardinal number

[kahr-dn-l nuhm-ber]

noun

1. Also called cardinal numeral. any of the numbers that express amount, as one, two, three, etc. (ordinal number ).

2. Also called potency, power. Mathematics.,  a number or symbol analogous to the number of elements in a finite set, being identical for two sets that can be placed into one-to-one correspondence.

   The cardinal number of the set a1, a2, … an is n.

cardinal number

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: cardinal. a number denoting quantity but not order in a set

2. maths logic

   1. a measure of the size of a set that does not take account of the order of its members Compare natural number

   2. a particular number having this function

cardinal number

1. A number, such as 3, 11, or 412, used in counting to indicate quantity but not order.

2. Compare ordinal number

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardinal number¹

First recorded in 1585–95