system of numeration
- noun
- Specialized
:
sistema de numeración
- Understanding the different systems of numeration, like the hexadecimal system, is essential for programming.
Examples
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The decimal system of numeration is used in most countries for everyday counting.
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When thinking of the integrated mathematics curriculum, one can incorporate history, such as historical data pertaining to the Roman system of numeration when this system is being studied.
Academic text (2006) -
In computer science, the binary system of numeration represents numbers using only two digits: 0 and 1.
Synonyms
2
3.5
A way to write numbers using digits, like decimal or binary
1
6.3
A way of counting and naming numbers
A way to write or show amounts using symbols like digits
A way of writing numbers using symbols and rules like decimal or binary
Surface Forms
Morphology
system + of + numeration
The meaning is directly compositional: 'system' (a formal set of rules or procedures) of 'numeration' (counting/number representation) yields a method for representing numbers. This noun-of-noun structure is cross-linguistically common and contains no idiomatic or metaphorical shift, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents should be able to infer the meaning.
Etymology
System of numeration began as a simple idea: people needed an ordered way to show numbers, so they used marks on bone or their ten fingers to 'count'. The word system means an ordered way and numeration means showing 'numbers', so the phrase now means a clear method or symbols for 'counting' and writing 'numbers'.