cardinal number
Definition of cardinal number
1 : a number (such as 1, 5, 15) that is used in simple counting and that indicates how many elements there are in an assemblage — see number table
2 : the property that a mathematical set has in common with all sets that can be put in one-to-one correspondence with it
From the M-W Editors
First Known Use of cardinal number
1591
CARDINAL NUMBER Defined for English Language Learners
cardinal number
Definition of cardinal number for English Language Learners
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: a number (such as 1, 2, or 3) that is used in simple counting and shows quantity
CARDINAL NUMBER Defined for Kids
cardinal number
Definition of cardinal number for Students
: a number (as 1, 5, 22) that is used in simple counting and answers the question “how many?”
Learn More about cardinal number
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Spanish Central: Translation of cardinal number Nglish: Translation of cardinal number for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cardinal number
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