numerical
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. ”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.
(Science: mathematics)” (Fuller) Numerical equation, 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.
Origin: Cf. F. Numerique. See Number.
Dictionary > Numerical
