Definition
The phrase “dangerous number” does not correspond to a widely recognized or formally defined concept in academic, scientific, or cultural encyclopedias. Consequently, there is no established, verifiable definition for the term.
Overview
Because the term lacks an accepted entry in authoritative reference works, it is not possible to provide a comprehensive overview. The expression occasionally appears in informal contexts, where it is used loosely to describe numbers that are considered ominous, unlucky, or potentially hazardous in specific cultural or superstitious traditions. However, such usage is anecdotal and not standardized.
Etymology / Origin
The components of the phrase are straightforward: “dangerous” (from Old French dangerous, meaning perilous) and “number” (from Latin numerus). The combination likely arose as a descriptive label rather than as a term coined by a particular individual or scholarly work. No reliable source pinpoints a definitive origin or earliest recorded use.
Characteristics
Given the lack of an established definition, no specific characteristics can be ascribed to a “dangerous number.” In informal usage, the term may be applied to numbers that:
- Are associated with superstition (e.g., 13 in many Western cultures, 4 in some East Asian cultures).
- Appear in religious or mythological narratives as symbols of evil or misfortune (e.g., 666, the “Number of the Beast” in Christian tradition).
- Are linked to mathematical or computational contexts where they cause overflow, rounding errors, or other technical issues (though such numbers are usually described with more precise terminology, such as “overflow‑prone values”).
These associations are context‑dependent and not part of a formal classification.
Related Topics
- Unlucky numbers – numbers that are traditionally considered inauspicious in various cultures.
- Numerology – the belief in mystical significance of numbers.
- Superstitions surrounding numbers – cultural practices and beliefs about specific numeric symbols.
Note
Accurate information about a formally recognized concept called “dangerous number” is not confirmed. The discussion above reflects the limited and informal usage of the phrase rather than an established encyclopedic entry.