numerical

Also nu·mer·ic

[noo-mer-i-kuhl, nyoo-]

adjective

1. of or relating to numbers; of the nature of a number.

2. indicating a number.

   numerical symbols.

3. bearing or designated by a number.

4. expressed by numbers instead of letters.

   numerical cryptography; numerical equations.

5. of or relating to one's skill at working with numbers, solving mathematical problems, etc..

   tests for rating numerical aptitude.

6. Mathematics.,  absolute.

numerical

/ njuːˈmɛrɪkəl /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or denoting a number or numbers

2. measured or expressed in numbers

   numerical value

3. maths

   1. containing or using constants, coefficients, terms, or elements represented by numbers Compare literal

      3x² + 4y = 2 is a numerical equation

   2. another word for absolute

Other Word Forms

• numerically adverb
• numericalness noun
• unnumerical adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of numerical¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin numer(us) number + -ical

Example Sentences

“There is a tendency for us to think of pay as strictly objective because it is numerical,” Harter says.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Chang described his former neighbor as soft-spoken and introverted, and said he remembered Rinderknecht because he had a distinct numerical entry door lock, whereas nearly every other unit had a keyed lock system.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He adds that it is incredibly exciting and fascinating to better understand what happens near a black hole using sophisticated numerical codes.

Read more on Science Daily

"The rate of population increase has been higher in recent years, and the rise seen in the year to mid-2024 represents the second largest annual increase in numerical terms in over 75 years."

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Voters rank candidates in order of numerical preference.

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