number

{{11}}number (n.) c.1300, "sum, aggregate of a collection," from Anglo-Fr. noumbre, O.Fr. nombre and directly from L. numerus "a number, quantity," from PIE root *nem- "to divide, distribute, allot" (related to Gk. nemein "to deal out;" see NEMESIS (Cf. nemesis)). Meaning "symbol or figure of arithmatic value" is from late 14c. Meaning "single (numbered) issue of a magazine" is from 1795. The meaning "musical selection" (1885) is from vaudeville theater programs, where acts were marked by a number. Meaning "dialing combination to reach a particular telephone receiver" is from 1879; hence wrong number (1886).

Number one "oneself" is from 1704 (mock-Italian form numero uno attested from 1973); the biblical Book of Numbers (c.1400, L. Numeri, Gk. Arithmoi) so called because it begins with a census of the Israelites. Slang number one and number two for "urination" and "defecation" attested from 1902. Number cruncher is 1966, of machines; 1971, of persons. To get or have (someone's) number "have someone figured out" is attested from 1853. The numbers "illegal lottery" is from 1897, American English.

{{12}}number (v.) c.1300, "to count," from O.Fr. nombrer "to count, reckon," from nombre (n.) "number" (see NUMBER (Cf. number) (n.)). Meaning "to assign a number to" is late 14c.; that of "to ascertain the number of" is from early 15c. Related: Numbered; numbering.