Why is "number" abbreviated as "no"? When there is no "o" in number?

Answer 1

maybe we forsaw the need for spanish alternatives in our language, hence numero = no.

Answer 2

You will never believe where I found the answer to this one. The answer is in an article of "The Hindu", an online edition of the national newspaper in India. The section is called, "Know Your English." A reader asks the same question this way...

"Why is the word `number' abbreviated to `No.' (M. Murugan, Tiruvannamalai)"

And the answer is...

"The word `number' comes from the Latin 'numero'. Since the first and last letters of the word are `n' and `o' respectively, the word is often abbreviated to `no.' "

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

probably has to do with the originating language. In french number is nombre so the "no" could be for that. Kind of like other abbreviations like RSVP (respondez si vous plais), NB (notez bien), etc.

Answer 4

Because number came from the latin word numero. Therfore "no" became the standard abbreviation.

Answer 5

It comes from the french word for number, which is nombre. Pound comes from libre. There are many words in our language that are based on latin, and latin is the basis for many languages, including french, spanish, italian. Many periodic elemental abbreviations are also based on latin, Ag=argent=silver. Pb=plumb=lead ALSO=where we get word 'plumbing' from

Answer 6

I suspect that it comes from the word 'nombre' or something similar, probably with latin origins. many of our common abbreviations originate from latin or greek rather than english, which is a much younger language.

Answer 7

Why is pound abbreviated as "lb"? Or whilst we're at it, why is "abbreviation" such a long word?

Answer 8

Spanish influence. Hispanics taking over.

Answer 9

Coz it looks cool

Answer 10

Good question. I don't no the answer.