Nu·mer·ic Nu·mer·ic·al a.
1. Belonging to number; denoting number; consisting in numbers; expressed by numbers, and not letters; as, numerical characters; a numerical equation; a numerical statement.
Note: ☞ 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.]
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.
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