Roman numeral

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Definition of Roman numeral

noun

one of the numerals in the ancient Roman system of notation, still used for certain limited purposes, as in some pagination, dates on buildings, etc. The common basic symbols are I (=1), V (=5), X (=10), L (=50), C (=100), D (=500), and M (=1000). The Roman numerals for one to nine are: I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX. A bar over a letter multiplies it by 1000; thus, X̅ equals 10,000. Integers are written according to these two rules: If a letter is immediately followed by one of equal or lesser value, the two values are added; thus, XX equals 20, XV equals 15, VI equals 6. If a letter is immediately followed by one of greater value, the first is subtracted from the second; thus, IV equals 4, XL equals 40, CM equals 900. Examples: XLVII(=47), CXVI(=116), MCXX(=1120), MCMXIV(=1914). Roman numerals may be written in lowercase letters, though they appear more commonly in capitals.

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Origin of Roman numeral

First recorded in 1725–35

Words nearby Roman numeral

romanite, Romanize, Roman law, Roman mile, Roman nose, Roman numeral, Roman numerals, Romano, Romanov, Romanovs, Roman pace

How to use Roman numeral in a sentence

His words apply not only to the Roman Curia at the Vatican but to the entire Church throughout the world.
Pope Francis Denounces the Vatican Elite’s 'Spiritual Alzheimer’s'|Barbie Latza Nadeau|December 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In a tiny, remote Chinese village, an ancient Roman bloodline may live on.
The Chinese Town Descended From Romans?|Nina Strochlic|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
One green-eyed man, nicknamed “Cai the Roman,” became an instant celebrity due to his decidedly Roman physical characteristics.
The Chinese Town Descended From Romans?|Nina Strochlic|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The story (and some DNA evidence) goes, the locals are the descendants of a band of Roman soldiers from 36 B.C.
The Chinese Town Descended From Romans?|Nina Strochlic|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST

But so far, the lack of proven Roman artifacts or ruins in the town has raised suspicions.
The Chinese Town Descended From Romans?|Nina Strochlic|December 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Roman Pane who accompanied Columbus on his second voyage alludes to another method of using the herb.
Tobacco; Its History, Varieties, Culture, Manufacture and Commerce|E. R. Billings.
The last-named building remained in the possession of the Unitarians until 1861, when it was sold to the Roman Catholics.
Showell's Dictionary of Birmingham|Thomas T. Harman and Walter Showell
You will not soon be called upon to act a Roman part between your father and your friend!
The Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 of 4|Jane Porter
There are very few foreign journals taken or read in the Roman States.
Glances at Europe|Horace Greeley
Our voluntary service regulars are the last descendants of those rulers of the ancient world, the Roman Legionaries.
Gallipoli Diary, Volume I|Ian Hamilton