Numerosus

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Characterized by a great number or multitude of something; exhibiting a high degree of numerical presence; often used to describe an abundance or sizable quantity in various contexts
2. Reflecting a substantial quantity or count; denoting richness in numbers or figures; this term is often applied in mathematical or scientific discussions about quantity
3. Representing a vast array or significant accumulation; marked by a generous amount of components or items; usually employed in contexts involving measurement or assessment of quantity

Etymology: In Latin, "numerosus" did not only mean "countable in large quantity." Roman writers on rhetoric applied it to prose whose phrases flowed with a pleasing rhythm, as if the sentences kept time like music. This sense comes from "numerus," the Latin word for number, which could also mean a metrical or rhythmic measure. English took the adjective with its core idea of plenty intact. The rhythmic sense faded, and "great in number" became the everyday meaning. The ending "-osus" means "full of," so the word is built from a noun meaning "number" plus a suffix meaning "full of."

Synonyms: numerous, many, countless, several, multiple

Antonyms: few, scarce, rare, limited, sparse