What does "numeric" mean?

Numeric: 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. 2.2. 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.