Chapter 1046

Num"ber (?) , n. [OE. nombre , F. nombre , L. numerus ; akin to Gr. <?/ that which is dealt out, fr. <?/ to deal out, distribute. See Numb , Nomad , and cf. Numerate , Numero , Numerous .] 1. That which admits of being counted or reckoned; a unit, or an aggregate of units; a numerable aggregate or collection of individuals; an assemblage made up of distinct things expressible by figures.

2. A collection of many individuals; a numerous assemblage; a multitude; many.

Ladies are always of great use to the party they espouse, and never fail to win over numbers . Addison.

3. A numeral; a word or character denoting a number; as, to put a number on a door .

4. Numerousness; multitude.

Number itself importeth not much in armies where the people are of weak courage. Bacon.

5. The state or quality of being numerable or countable.

Of whom came nations, tribes, people, and kindreds out of number . 2 Esdras iii. 7.

6. Quantity, regarded as made up of an aggregate of separate things.

7. That which is regulated by count; poetic measure, as divisions of time or number of syllables; hence, poetry, verse; -- chiefly used in the plural.

I lisped in numbers , for the numbers came. Pope.

8. (Gram.) The distinction of objects, as one, or more than one (in some languages, as one, or two, or more than two), expressed (usually) by a difference in the form of a word; thus, the singular number and the plural number are the names of the forms of a word indicating the objects denoted or referred to by the word as one, or as more than one.

9. (Math.) The measure of the relation between quantities or things of the same kind; that abstract species of quantity which is capable of being expressed by figures; numerical value.

Abstract number , Abundant number , Cardinal number , etc. See under Abstract , Abundant , etc. -- In numbers , in numbered parts; as, a book published in numbers .

Number <Xpage=986>

Num"ber , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Numbered (?) ; p. pr & vb. n. Numbering .] [OE. nombren , noumbren , F. nombrer , fr. L. numerare , numeratum . See Number , n. ]

1. To count; to reckon; to ascertain the units of; to enumerate.

If a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered . Gen. xiii. 16.

2. To reckon as one of a collection or multitude.

He was numbered with the transgressors. Is. liii. 12.

3. To give or apply a number or numbers to; to assign the place of in a series by order of number; to designate the place of by a number or numeral; as, to number the houses in a street, or the apartments in a building .

4. To amount; to equal in number; to contain; to consist of; as, the army numbers fifty thousand .

Thy tears can not number the dead. Campbell.

Numbering machine , a machine for printing consecutive numbers, as on railway tickets, bank bills, etc.

Syn. -- To count; enumerate; calculate; tell.

Numberer <Xpage=986>

Num"ber*er (?) , n. One who numbers.

Numberful <Xpage=986>

Num"ber*ful (?) , a. Numerous. [Obs.]

Numberless <Xpage=986>

Num"ber*less , a. Innumerable; countless.

Numberous <Xpage=986>

Num"ber*ous (?) , a. Numerous. [Obs.]

Drant.

Numbers <Xpage=986>

Num"bers (?) , n. pl. of Number . The fourth book of the Pentateuch, containing the census of the Hebrews.

Numbfish <Xpage=986>

Numb"fish` (?) , n. (Zo\'94l.) The torpedo, which numbs by the electric shocks which it gives.

Numbless <Xpage=986>

Num"bless (?) , n. pl. See Nombles .

Numbness <Xpage=986>

Numb"ness (?) , n. The condition of being numb; that state of a living body in which it loses, wholly or in part, the power of feeling or motion.

Numerable <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*a*ble (?) , a. [L. numerabilis . See Number , v. t. ] Capable of being numbered or counted.

Numeral <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*al (?) , a. [L. numeralis , fr. numerus number: cf. F. num\'82ral . See Number , n. ]

1. Of or pertaining to number; consisting of number or numerals.

A long train of numeral progressions. Locke.

2. Expressing number; representing number; as, numeral letters or characters, as X or 10 for ten .

Numeral <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*al , n. 1. A figure or character used to express a number; as, the Arabic numerals , 1, 2, 3, etc.; the Roman numerals , I, V, X, L, etc.

2. A word expressing a number.

Numerally <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*al*ly , adv. According to number; in number; numerically.

Numerary <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*a*ry (?) , a. [LL. numerarius : cf. F. num\'82raire .] Belonging to a certain number; counting as one of a collection or body.

A supernumerary canon, when he obtains a prebend, becomes a numerary canon. Ayliffe.

Numerate <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*ate (?) , v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Numerated (?) ; p. pr. & vb. n. Numerating (?) .] [L. numeratus , p. p. of numerare to count. See Number , v. ] (Arith.) To divide off and read according to the rules of numeration; as, to numerate a row of figures .

Numeration <Xpage=986>

Nu`mer*a"tion (?) , n. [L. numeratio a counting out: cf. F. num\'82ration .] 1. The act or art of numbering.

Numeration is but still the adding of one unit more, and giving to the whole a new name or sign. Locke.

2. The act or art of reading numbers when expressed by means of numerals. The term is almost exclusively applied to the art of reading numbers written in the scale of tens, by the Arabic method.

Davies & Peck.

&hand; For convenience in reading, numbers are usually separated by commas into periods of three figures each, as 1,155,465. According to what is called the "English" system, the billion is a million of millions, a trillion a million of billions, and each higher denomination is a million times the one preceding. According to the system of the French and other Continental nations and also that of the United States, the billion is a thousand millions, and each higher denomination is a thousand times the preceding.

Numerative <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*a*tive (?) , a. Of or pertaining to numeration; as, a numerative system .

Eng. Cyc.

Numerator <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*a"tor (?) , n. [L. numerator : cf. F. num\'82rateur .]

1. One who numbers.

2. (Math.) The term in a fraction which indicates the number of fractional units that are taken.

&hand; In a vulgar fraction the numerator is written above a line; thus, in the fraction 5/9 (five ninths) 5 is the numerator; in a decimal fraction it is the number which follows the decimal point. See Fraction .

Numeric, Numerical <Xpage=986>

Nu*mer"ic (?) , Nu*mer"ic*al (?) , a. [Cf. F. num\'82rique . 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.

&hand; 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. <Xpage=986>

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.

Numeric <Xpage=986>

Nu*mer"ic , n. (Math.) Any number, proper or improper fraction, or incommensurable ratio. The term also includes any imaginary expression like m + n&root;-1 , where m and n are real numerics .

Numerically <Xpage=986>

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 .

Numerist <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*ist (?) , n. One who deals in numbers. [Obs.]

Sir T. Browne.

Numero <Xpage=986>

Nu"me*ro (?) , n. [It., or F. num\'82ro ; both fr. L. numerus number.] Number; -- often abbrev. No.

Numerosity <Xpage=986>

Nu`mer*os"i*ty (?) , n. [L. numerositas .]

1. The state of being numerous; numerousness. [Obs.]

2. Rhythm; harmony; flow. [Obs.]

The numerosity of the sentence pleased the ear. S. Parr.

Numerous <Xpage=986>

Nu"mer*ous (?) , a. [L. numerosus . See Number .]

1. Consisting of a great number of units or individual objects; being many; as, a numerous army .

Such and so numerous was their chivalry. Milton.

2. Consisting of poetic numbers; rhythmical; measured and counted; melodious; musical. [Obs.]

Such prompt eloquence Flowed from their lips, in prose or numerous verse. Milton.

-- Nu"mer*ous*ly , adv. -- Nu"mer*ous*ness , n.

Numidian <Xpage=986>

Nu*mid"i*an (?) , a. Of or pertaining to ancient Numidia in Northern Africa.

Numidian crane . (Zo\'94l.) See Demoiselle , 2.

Numismatic, Numismatical <Xpage=986>

Nu`mis*mat"ic (?) , Nu`mis*mat"ic*al (?) , a. [L. numisma , nomisma , a piece of money, coin, fr. Gr. <?/ anything sanctioned by usage, the current coin, fr. <?/ to introduce a custom, or usage, fr. <?/ a custom, or usage, fr. <?/ to distribute, assign: cf. F. numismatique . See Nomad .] Of or pertaining to coins; relating to the science of coins or medals.

Numismatics <Xpage=986>

Nu`mis*mat"ics (?) , n. [Cf. F. numismatique .] The science of coins and medals.

Numismatist <Xpage=986>

Nu*mis"ma*tist (?) , n. One skilled in numismatics; a numismatologist.

Numismatography <Xpage=986>

Nu*mis`ma*tog"ra*phy (?) , n. [L. numisma , -atis (Gr. <?/) + -graphy .] A treatise on, or description of, coins and medals.

Numismatologist <Xpage=986>

Nu*mis`ma*tol"o*gist (?) , n. One versed in numismatology. <-- now usu. numismatist -->

Numismatology <Xpage=986>

Nu*mis`ma*tol"o*gy (?) , n. [L. numisma , -atis + -logy .] The science which treats of coins and medals, in their relation to history; numismatics.

Nummary <Xpage=986>

Num"ma*ry (?) , a. [L. nummarius , from nummus a coin.] Of or relating to coins or money.

Nummular, Nummulary <Xpage=986>

Num"mu*lar (?) , Num"mu*la*ry (?) , a. [L. nummularius , fr. nummulus , dim. of nummus a coin: cf. F. nummulaire .]

1. Of or pertaining to coin or money; pecuniary; as, the nummulary talent .

2. (Pathol.) Having the appearance or form of a coin. " Nummular sputa."

Sir T. Watson.

Nummulation <Xpage=986>

Num`mu*la"tion (?) , n. (Physiol.) The arrangement of the red blood corpuscles in rouleaux, like piles of coins, as when a drop of human blood is examined under the microscope.

Nummulite <Xpage=986>

Num"mu*lite (?) , n. [L. nummus a coin + -lite : cf. F. nummulite .] (Paleon.) A fossil of the genus Nummulites and allied genera.

Nummulites <Xpage=986>

Num`mu*li"tes (?) , n. [NL. See Nummulite .] (Paleon.) A genus of extinct Tertiary Foraminifera, having a thin, flat, round shell, containing a large number of small chambers arranged spirally.

Nummulitic <Xpage=986>

Num`mu*lit"ic (?) , a. Of, like, composed of, containing, nummulites; as, nummulitic beds .

Numps <Xpage=986>

Numps (?) , n. [Cf. Numb .] A dolt; a blockhead. [Obs.]

Bp. Parker.

Numskull <Xpage=986>

Num"skull` (?) , n. [ Numb + skull .] A dunce; a dolt; a stupid fellow. [Colloq.]

They have talked like numskulls . Arbuthnot.

Numskulled <Xpage=986>

Num"skulled` (?) , a. Stupid; doltish. [Colloq.]

Nun <Xpage=986>

Nun (?) , n. [OE. nunne , AS. nunne , fr. L. nonna nun, nonnus monk; cf. Gr. <?/, <?/; of unknown origin. Cf. Nunnery .]

1. A woman devoted to a religious life, who lives in a convent, under the three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

They holy time is quiet as a nun Breathless with adoration. Wordsworth.

2. (Zo\'94l.) (a) A white variety of domestic pigeons having a veil of feathers covering the head. (b) The smew. (c) The European blue titmouse.

Gray nuns (R. C. Ch.) , the members of a religious order established in Montreal in 1745, whence branches were introduced into the United States in 1853; -- so called from the color or their robe, and known in religion as Sisters of Charity of Montreal . -- Nun buoy . See under Buoy .

Nunchion <Xpage=986>

Nun"chion (?) , n. [OE. nonechenche , for noneschenche , prop., a noon drink; none noon + schenchen , schenken , skinken , to pour, AS. scencan . See Noon , and Skink , v. i. ] A portion of food taken at or after noon, usually between full meals; a luncheon. [Written also noonshun .]

Hudibras.

Nunciate <Xpage=986>

Nun"ci*ate (?) , n. One who announces; a messenger; a nuncio. [Obs.]

Hoole.

Nunciature <Xpage=986>

Nun"ci*a*ture (?) , n. [L. nunciare , nuntiare , to announce, report, fr. nuncius , nuntius , messenger: cf. F. nonciature , It. nunziatura . See Nuncio .] The office of a nuncio.

Clarendon.

Nuncio <Xpage=986>

Nun"ci*o (?) , n. ; pl. Nuncios (#) . [It. nunzio , nuncio , fr. L. nuncius , nuntius , messenger; perh. akin to novus new, E. new , and thus, one who brings news. Cf. Announce .]

1. A messenger. [Obs.]

Shak.

2. The permanent official representative of the pope at a foreign court or seat of government. Distinguished from a legate a latere , whose mission is temporary in its nature, or for some special purpose. Nuncios are of higher rank than internuncios.

Nuncius <Xpage=986>

Nun"ci*us (?) , n. ; pl. Nuncii (#) . [L.] (Roman & Old Eng. Law) (a) A messenger. (b) The information communicated.

Nuncupate <Xpage=986>

Nun"cu*pate (?) , v. t. [L. nuncupatus , p. p. of nuncupare to nuncupate, prob. fr. nomen name + capere to take.] 1. To declare publicly or solemnly; to proclaim formally. [Obs.]

In whose presence did St. Peter nuncupate it ? Barrow.

2. To dedicate by declaration; to inscribe; as, to nuncupate a book . [Obs.]

Evelyn.

Nuncupation <Xpage=986>

Nun`cu*pa"tion (?) , n. [L. nuncupatio .] The act of nuncupating. [Obs.]

Nuncupative <Xpage=986>

Nun*cu"pa*tive (?) , a. [L. nuncupativus nominal: cf. F. nuncupatif .] 1. Publicly or solemnly declaratory. [Obs.]

2. Nominal; existing only in name. [Obs.]

3. Oral; not written.

Nuncupative will &or; testament , a will or testament made by word of mouth only, before witnesses, as by a soldier or seaman, and depending on oral testimony for proof.

Blackstone.

Nuncupatory <Xpage=986>

Nun*cu"pa*to*ry (?) , a. Nuncupative; oral.

Nundinal <Xpage=986>

Nun"di*nal (?) , n. A nundinal letter.

Nundinal, Nundinary <Xpage=986>

Nun"di*nal (?) , Nun"di*na*ry (?) , a. [L. nundinalis , nundinarius , fr. nundinae the market day, the weekly market, prop., the ninth day, fr. nundinus belonging to nine days; novem nine + dies day: cf. F. nundinal .] Of or pertaining to a fair, or to a market day.

Nundinal letter , among the Romans, one of the first eight letters of the alphabet, which were repeated successively from the first to the last day of the year. One of these always expressed the market day, which returned every nine days (every eight days by our reckoning).

Nundinate <Xpage=986>

Nun"di*nate (?) , v. i. [L. nundinatus , p. p. of nundinary to attend fairs, to traffic. See Nundinal , a. ] To buy and sell at fairs or markets. [Obs.]

Nundination <Xpage=986>

Nun`di*na"tion (?) , n. [L. nundinatio .] Traffic at fairs; marketing; buying and selling. [Obs.]

Common nundination of pardons. Abp. Bramhall.

Nunnation <Xpage=986>

Nun*na"tion (?) , n. [From nun , the Arabic name of the letter n : cf. NL. nunnatio , F. nunnation .] (Arabic Gram.) The pronunciation of n at the end of words.

Nunnery <Xpage=986>

Nun"ner*y (?) , n. ; pl. Nunneries (#) . [OE. nonnerie , OF. nonerie , F. nonnerie , fr. nonne nun, L. nonna . See Nun .] A house in which nuns reside; a cloister or convent in which women reside for life, under religious vows. See Cloister , and Convent .

Nunnish <Xpage=986>

Nun"nish (?) , a. Of, pertaining to, or resembling a nun; characteristic of a nun. -- Nun"nish*ness , n.

Nup <Xpage=986>

Nup (?) , n. Same as Nupson . [Obs.]

Nuphar <Xpage=986>

Nu"phar (?) , n. [Per. n<?/far .] (Bot.) A genus of plants found in the fresh-water ponds or lakes of Europe, Asia, and North America; the yellow water lily. Cf. Nymphaea .

<page="987"> Page 987

Nupson <Xpage=987>

Nup"son (?) , n. [Of doubtful origin.] A simpleton; a fool. [Obs.]

B. Jonson.

Nuptial <Xpage=987>