| numerical | 1. Belonging to number; denoting number; consisting in numbers; expressed by numbers, and not letters; as, numerical characters; a numerical equation; a numerical statement. Numerical, as opposed to algebraical, is used to denote a value irrespective of its sign; thus, -5 is numerically greater than -3, though algebraically less. 2. The same in number; hence, identically the same; identical; as, the same numerical body. "Would to God that all my fellow brethren, which with me bemoan the loss of their books, . . . Might rejoice for the recovery thereof, though not the same numerical volumes. <mathematics>" (Fuller) Numerical equation, an equation which has all the quantities except the unknown expressed in numbers; distinguished from literal equation. Numerical value of an equation or expression, that deduced by substituting numbers for the letters, and reducing. Origin: Cf. F. Numerique. See Number. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| numerical analysis, computer-assisted | Computer-assisted study of methods for obtaining useful quantitative solutions to problems that have been expressed mathematically. (12 Dec 1998) |
| numerical aperture | For a lens the resolving power depends upon the wavelength of light being used and inversely upon the numerical aperture. The N.A. Is the product of the refractive index of the medium (1 for air, 1.5 for immersion oil) and the sine of the angle, i, the semi angle of the cone formed by joining objects to the perimeter of the lens. The larger the value of N.A., the better the resolving power of the lens, most objectives have their N.A. Value engraved on the barrel and this should be quoted when describing an optical system. (18 Nov 1997) |
| numerical hypertrophy | <pathology> The abnormal multiplication or increase in the number of normal cells in normal arrangement in a tissue. Compare: hypertrophy. Origin: Gr. Plasis = formation (18 Nov 1997) |
| numerical notation for teeth | <dentistry> The numerical notation for teeth is an alternate to Palmer's notation. In this notation, the centrals are designated as 1's, the laterals as 2's, the cuspids as 3's, the first bicuspids as 4's, the second bicuspid's as 5's, etc. (08 Jan 1998) |
| numerical taxonomy | <zoology> Study of the relationships of taxa by the application of numerical similarity values to characters so as to rank into categories based on degree of overall similarity. (09 Jan 1998) |
| universal numerical notation for teeth | <dentistry> The universal numerical notation is an alternative numerical notation for teeth. In this notation, your upper right third molar is designated as tooth#1, and then you number each tooth sequentially moving right to left and down across your mouth. (08 Jan 1998) |
| adansonian classification | The classification of organisms based on giving equal weight to every character of the organism; this principle has its greatest application in numerical taxonomy. Origin: M. Adanson (05 Mar 2000) |
| Angle's classification of malocclusion | A classification of different types of malocclusion, based on the mesiodistal relationship of the permanent molars upon their eruption and locking, and comprised of three classes; Class I: normal relationship of the jaws, wherein the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occludes in the buccal groove of the mandibular first permanent molar; Class II: distal relationship of the mandible, wherein the distobuccal cusp of the maxillary first permanent molar occludes in the buccal groove of the mandibular first molar, and further classified as Division 1, labioversion of maxillary incisor teeth, and Division 2, linguoversion of maxillary central incisors, both of which may be unilateral conditions; Class III: mesial relationship of the mandible, wherein the mesiobuccal cusp of the maxillary first molar occludes in the embrasure between the mandibular first and second permanent molars, further classified as a unilateral condition. (05 Mar 2000) |
| aortic dissection: classification | <radiology> DeBakey: I ascending aorta to arch with or without descending aorta (30%), II ascending aorta only (20%), III descending aorta to thoracic aorta (50%), Stanford: A involvement of ascending aorta (regardless of origin), B aortic arch and distal aorta see also: aetiology mnemomics: 1 A.D. (DeBakey), A = Ascending (12 Dec 1998) |
| Arneth classification | A classification of the polymorphonuclear neutrophils according to the number of their nuclear lobes. See: Arneth stages. (05 Mar 2000) |
| artificial classification | <zoology> Classification based on convenient or conspicuous diagnostic characters without attention to characters indicating relationship, often a classification based on a single arbitrarily chosen character, rather than an evaluation of the totality of characters. (09 Jan 1998) |
| Black's classification | A classification of cavities of the teeth based upon the tooth surface(s) involved. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Caldwell-Moloy classification | A classification of the variations in the female pelvis; namely gynecoid, android, anthropoid, and platypelloid pelvis, based on the type of the posterior and anterior segments of the inlet. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Galton's system of classification of fingerprints | A system of classification based on the variations in the patterns of the ridges, which are grouped into arches, loops, and whorls (A.L.W. Or arch-loop-whorl system). "Arches are formed when the ridges run from one side to the other of the bulb of the digit, without making any backward turn, but no twist; whorls, when there is a turn through at least one complete circle; they are also considered to include all duplex spirals." The abbreviations used in making a record of fingerprint's are: a, arch; l, loop; w, whorl; i, loop with an inner (thumb side) slope; o, loop with an outer (little-finger side) slope. The ten digits are registered in four groups as follows, distinguished by capital letters: A, the fore, middle, and ring fingers of the right hand; B, the fore, middle, and ring fingers of the left hand; C, the thumb and little finger of the right hand; D, the thumb and little finger of the left hand. See: dermatoglyphics. (05 Mar 2000) |