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

"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."

From BBC

Voters rank candidates in order of numerical preference.

From BBC

A tactic that negates numerical overloads is man-to-man marking across the pitch - and it is one Grimsby employed.

From BBC

A combination of satellites, aircraft observations, numerical forecasting models, as well as historical data are used to predict what will happen.

From BBC

Skydance promised not to set numerical goals related to race, ethnicity or gender of job applicants.

From Los Angeles Times