number

English

/ˈnʌmbə/, /ˈnʌmbɚ/, /ˈnʌmə/, /ˈnʌmɚ/

noun
Definitions
  • (countable) An abstract entity used to describe quantity.
  • (countable) A numeral: a symbol for a non-negative integer.
  • (countable) An element of one of several sets: natural numbers, integers, rational numbers, real numbers, complex numbers, and sometimes extensions such as hypercomplex numbers, etc.
  • (Followed by a numeral, used attributively) Indicating the position of something in a list or sequence. Abbreviations: No or No., no or no. (in each case, sometimes written with a superscript "o", like Nº or №). The symbol "#" is also used in this manner.
  • Quantity.
  • A sequence of digits and letters used to register people, automobiles, and various other items.
  • (countable) A telephone number.
  • (grammar) Of a word or phrase, the state of being singular, dual or plural, shown by inflection.
  • (now) Poetic metres; verses, rhymes.
  • (countable) A performance; especially, a single song or song and dance routine within a larger show.
  • (countable) A person.
  • (countable) An item of clothing, particularly a stylish one.
  • (slang) A marijuana cigarette, or joint; also, a quantity of marijuana bought form a dealer.
  • (dated) An issue of a periodical publication.
  • A large amount, in contrast to a smaller amount; numerical preponderance.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English number derived from noumbre derived from Old French nombre derived from Latin numerus (number, member, element) derived from Proto-Indo-European *nem- (take, assign, allot, divide, give, give take ones due, sacrifice, distribute, apportion, give take one's due).

Origin

Proto-Indo-European

*nem-

Gloss

take, assign, allot, divide, give, give take ones due, sacrifice, distribute, apportion, give take one's due

Concept
Semantic Field

Possession

Ontological Category

Action/Process

Kanji

Emoji

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms