real number

[ree-uhl, reel]

noun

Mathematics.

1. a rational number or the limit of a sequence of rational numbers, as opposed to a complex number.

real number

noun

1. a number expressible as a limit of rational numbers See number

real number

1. A number that can be written as a terminating or nonterminating decimal; a rational or irrational number. The numbers 2, −12.5, 3/7, and pi (π) are all real numbers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of real number¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The administration’s suspect arithmetic is in many respects deliberately aimed at portraying some condition as better than the real numbers show.

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"It's horrific to actually see real numbers," she said.

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It is often difficult to independently verify the real numbers of casualties in such attacks due to access restrictions and the fear of reprisals among witnesses and local media.

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The nurse added that the stats were likely lower than the real number because staff find it difficult to find time to report them.

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Earlier, Bloomberg reported that 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants living illegally in the US had so far been identified, but the real number is likely to be higher.

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