\Nu*mer"ic\, Numerical \Nu*mer"ic*al\, a. [Cf. F.
num['e]rique. See {Number}, n.]
1. Belonging to number; denoting number; consisting in
   numbers; expressed by numbers, and not letters; as,
   numerical characters; a numerical equation; a numerical
   statement.
Note: 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. [Obs.] --South.
         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.               --Fuller.
{Numerical equation} (Alg.), 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.

\Nu*mer"ic\, n. (Math.)
Any number, proper or improper fraction, or incommensurable
ratio. The term also includes any imaginary expression like m
+ n[root]-1, where m and n are real numerics.