number

1a (1) :  a sum of units :  total the number of people in the hall (2) :  complement 1b … the whole number of Senators … — U.S. Constitution (3) :  an indefinite usually large total a number of members were absent the number of elderly is rising (4) numbers plural :  a numerous group :  many numbers died on the way — Marjory S. Douglas (5) :  a numerical preponderance (see preponderance 2) There's safety in numbers.b (1) :  the characteristic of an individual by which it is treated as a unit or of a collection by which it is treated in terms of units there is a limited number of such laboratories — P. D. Close (2) :  an ascertainable total bugs beyond numberc (1) :  a unit belonging to an abstract mathematical system and subject to specified laws of succession, addition, and multiplication a number divisible by 2; especially :  natural number (2) :  an element (such as π) of any of many mathematical systems obtained by extension of or analogy with the natural number system (3) numbers plural :  arithmetic Teach children their numbers.

2 :  a distinction of word form to denote reference to one or more than one A subject and its verb should agree in number.; also :  a form or group of forms so distinguished

3 numbers plural a (1) :  metrical structure :  meter … most by numbers judge a poet's song. — Alexander Pope (2) :  metrical lines :  verses These numbers will I tear, and write in prose. — Shakespeareb archaic :  musical sounds :  notes

4a :  a word, symbol, letter, or combination of symbols representing a number Spell out the numbers one through ten.b :  a numeral or combination of numerals or other symbols used to identify or designate dialed the wrong numberc (1) :  a member of a sequence or collection designated by especially consecutive numbers (such as an issue of a periodical) just received issue number 8 of the magazine (2) :  a position in a numbered sequence You're number 7 on the waiting list.d :  a group of one kind not of their number

5 :  one singled out from a group :  individual: such asa :  girl, woman met an attractive number at the danceb (1) :  a musical, theatrical, or literary selection or production The actors broke into a song and dance number. (2) :  routine, act The comedian's number had the audience laughing out loud.c :  stunt, trickd :  an act of transforming or impairing tripped and did a number on her kneee :  an item of merchandise and especially clothing put that black velvet number with the sequins on the blonde dummy — Bennett Cerf

6 :  insight into a person's ability or character had my number

7 numbers plural in form but singular or plural in construction a :  a form of lottery in which an individual wagers on the appearance of a certain combination of digits (as in regularly published numbers) —called also numbers gameb :  ²policy 2a

8 numbers plural a :  figures representing amounts of money usually in dollars spent, earned, or involved We won't be able to stay in business with numbers like these.b (1) :  statistics 2; especially :  individual statistics (as of an athlete) Her numbers make her the most valuable member of the team. (2) :  rating 3c