quantifier

noun

quan·​ti·​fi·​er ˈkwän-tə-ˌfī(-ə)r 

: one that quantifies: such as

a

: a prefixed operator that binds the variables in a logical formula by specifying their quantity

b

: a limiting noun modifier (such as five in "the five young men") expressive of quantity and characterized by occurrence before the descriptive adjectives in a noun phrase

Examples of quantifier in a Sentence

“Five” in “the five men” is a quantifier.

Recent Examples on the Web

Is there a way a quantifier can be applied? —Brandon Pena, Forbes, 19 May 2022

The research could be a major step forward in ocean greenhouse gas monitoring, because until now, measuring CO2 concentrations — a quantifier of ocean acidification — was mostly done from ships, buoys and moorings tethered to the ocean floor. —Mark Thiessen, Anchorage Daily News, 25 May 2022

Here’s an example of a problem with alternating quantifiers: Given X, does there exist Y such that for every Z there exists W such that R happens? —Quanta Magazine, 16 July 2018

The New York Times profile on Harris also uses Sanders supporters as some sort of quantifier of success. —Michael Arceneaux, Essence.com, 24 July 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing quantifier

• existential quantifier

• existential quantifier