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

Example Sentences

In addition to the cardinal numbers defined so far, there are two important cardinal characteristics—𝔟 and 𝔡—that refer to dominating functions of real numbers.

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Chapters in books are usually given the cardinal numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and so on.

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This attaching to the cardinal numbers above three or four the meanings of the ordinal numbers seems to affect many children on entrance to school.

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HUNDRED, the English name of the cardinal number equal to ten times ten.

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This whole process is familiar; it gives the series of the positive whole numbers, that is, the cardinal numbers.

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