numerical

or nu·mer·ic

[ noo-mer-i-kuh l or noo-mer-ik; nyoo- ]

/ nuˈmɛr ɪ kəl or nuˈmɛr ɪk; nyu- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR numerical ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

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

indicating a number: numerical symbols.

bearing or designated by a number.

expressed by numbers instead of letters: numerical cryptography; numerical equations.

of or relating to one's skill at working with numbers, solving mathematical problems, etc.: tests for rating numerical aptitude.

Mathematics. absolute(def 12).

Nearby words

numeral system, numerary, numerate, numeration, numerator, numerical, numerical analysis, numerical aperture, numerical control, numerical identity, numerical taxonomy

Origin of numerical

1615–25; < Latin numer(us) number + -ical

Related forms

nu·mer·i·cal·ly, adverbnu·mer·i·cal·ness, nounun·nu·mer·i·cal, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for numerical

A numerical data set helps physicians and other doctors know when to order scans of any kind.
Are Routine Scans Causing Cancer?|Dale Eisinger|September 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
He has no illusions about the status of his numerical designation.
Literary Bond Superior to Movie Version|Allen Barra|November 11, 2012|DAILY BEAST
It has been decided that the accusers will not be able to hide behind their numerical designations during the trial.
The Sandusky Sexual Abuse Case’s Biggest Mysteries|Diane Dimond|June 5, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Its manifestations will be categorized by two numerical scales of severity that aim to locate each individual on the continuum.
Don't Remove Asperger's From the DSM|Lucy Berrington|May 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST

Some aspects of the proposed criteria can be unclear in adults, who might be “undiagnosed” under the numerical cutoffs.
Don't Remove Asperger's From the DSM|Lucy Berrington|May 21, 2011|DAILY BEAST
But the assembly of each succeeding year surpasses that which has preceded it both in numerical strength and interest.
Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, No.690|Various
Every thing, name, or event, has its numerical interpretation.
Rome in 1860|Edward Dicey
The numerical proportion of the different species of the flora is always changing according to external influences.
Darwin and Modern Science|A.C. Seward and Others
Despite our numerical inferiority, he issued the orders to pounce down upon the Franks from the crest of our elevated position.
The Casque's Lark|Eugne Sue
The first thing to be observed is the numerical strength of the army thus raised and trained.
Britain at Bay|Spenser Wilkinson

British Dictionary definitions for numerical

numerical

numeric

/ (njuːˈmɛrɪkəl) /

adjective

of, relating to, or denoting a number or numbers

measured or expressed in numbersnumerical value

maths

containing or using constants, coefficients, terms, or elements represented by numbers3x² + 4y = 2 is a numerical equation Compare literal (def. 6)
another word for absolute (def. 11a)

Derived Forms

numerically, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012