Nu*mer"ic (?), Nu*mer"ic*al (?), a. [Cf. F. num'erique. See Number, n.]

1.

Belonging to number; denoting number; consisting in numbers; expressed by numbers, and not letters; as, numerical characters; a numerical equation; a numerical statement.

Numerical, as opposed to algebraical, is used to denote a value irrespective of its sign; thus, -5 is numerically greater than -3, though algebraically less.

2.

The same in number; hence, identically the same; identical; as, the same numerical body.

[Obs.]

South.

Would to God that all my fellow brethren, which with me bemoan the loss of their books, . . . might rejoice for the recovery thereof, though not the same numerical volumes. Fuller.

Numerical equation Alg., an equation which has all the quantities except the unknown expressed in numbers; -- distinguished from literal equation. -- Numerical value of an equation or expression, that deduced by substituting numbers for the letters, and reducing.

 

© Webster 1913.

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.