Definition for: cardinal number

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English

Noun

cardinal number ( plural cardinal numbers )

1. ( arithmetic ) A number used to denote quantity. A counting number.

   "Three" is a cardinal number , while "third" is an ordinal number.

Translations

Note on usage of cardinal numbers

• Cardinal numbers are generally construed as nouns but function as adjectives . When functioning as adjectives, a cardinal number may only precede a ( countable ) noun, and the noun will be plural, except for one , 1 minus one , or -1 :

  zero dog s

  one cat

  one hundred one dalmatian s

  minus one degree

  minus five meter s

• Cardinal numbers may be used as ordinal numbers when followed or preceded by a singular ( countable ) noun, especially if preceded by the word number or the :

  The five dog was injured.

  That is our number one cat.

  That is our house three.

• One and zero can serve as quantifiers indicating effectively all and none , respectively:

  The law requires residency of one year.

  It has zero fat.

• Cardinal numbers from 1 to 10 can serve as informal rating description or value, with a scale of 1 to 10 implied; 0 and numbers bigger than 10 are used for hyperbole:

  Bo was once considered a 10.

  The pain is 1.

See also

• ordinal number
• category:Cardinal numbers

Other Translations for "cardinal number"

Braille 6 Dot
Braille 8 Dot
Sign Language Spelling
Morse Code		cardinal number
Hex		63 e1 72 e4 69 ee e1 6c a0 ee f5 ed e2 65 72
Pig Latin		ardinalcay umbernay

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