2. (Math.) The term in a fraction which indicates the number of
fractional units that are taken.
In a vulgar fraction the numerator is written above a line; thus, in
the fraction (five ninths) 5 is the numerator; in a decimal fraction it
is the number which follows the decimal point. See Fraction.
{ Nu*mer"ic (?), Nu*mer"ic*al (?), } a. [Cf. F. numérique. 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.
Nu*mer"ic, n. (Math.) Any number, proper or improper fraction, or
incommensurable ratio. The term also includes any imaginary expression
like m + n√- 1, where m and n are real numerics.
Nu*mer"ic*al*ly, adv. In a numerical manner; in numbers; with respect
to number, or sameness in number; as, a thing is numerically the same,
or numerically different.
Nu"mer*ist (?), n. One who deals in numbers. [Obs.] Sir T. Browne.
Nu"me*ro (?), n. [It., or F. numéro ; both fr. L. numerus number.]
Number; -- often abbrev. No.