cardinal number


noun

Also called cardinal numeral. any of the numbers that express amount, as one, two, three, etc. (distinguished from ordinal number).
Also called potency, power. Mathematics. a number or symbol analogous to the number of elements in a finite set, being identical for two sets that can be placed into one-to-one correspondence: The cardinal number of the set a1, a2, … an is n.

Origin of cardinal number

First recorded in 1585–95

British Dictionary definitions for cardinal number

cardinal number

cardinal numeral


noun

a number denoting quantity but not order in a set Sometimes shortened to: cardinal
maths logic
  1. a measure of the size of a set that does not take account of the order of its membersCompare natural number
  2. a particular number having this function
Compare ordinal number

Scientific definitions for cardinal number

cardinal number
[ kärdn-əl ]

A number, such as 3, 11, or 412, used in counting to indicate quantity but not order. Compare ordinal number.