cardinal number

[ kahr-dn-l nuhm-ber ]

noun

1. Also called cardinal numeral. any of the numbers that express amount, as one, two, three, etc. ( ordinal number ).
2. 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.

cardinal number

noun

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

cardinal number

/ kär′dn-əl /

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardinal number¹

First recorded in 1585–95