numbness

n : partial or total lack of sensation in a part of the body; a

symptom of nerve damage or dysfunction

numbers

(Scientific computation) Output from a computation that may

not be significant but at least indicates that the program is

running. Numbers may be used to placate management, grant

sponsors, etc. "Making numbers" means running a program

because output - any output, not necessarily meaningful output

- is needed as a demonstration of progress.

See {pretty pictures}, {math-out}, {social science number}.

[{Jargon File}]

(1995-01-13)