numerological

the word 'numerological' is a modern english formation built upon the noun 'numerology'. its core, 'numer', descends directly from the latin 'numerus', meaning a number or quantity. this root was combined with the greek-derived suffix '-logy', indicating a branch of knowledge or study, to create 'numerology', the study of the occult significance of numbers. the final addition of the adjectival suffix '-ical', of latin origin, transforms the noun into an adjective, producing a term that literally means "pertaining to the study of numbers" but which is specifically applied to their mystical interpretation rather than mathematical analysis.

Structure: numer (number) + olog (study of) + ical (adjective suffix) numer: from latin 'numerus' (number). serves as the core root denoting number. olog: from greek '-logia' (study, discourse), via latin '-logia'. a combining form meaning "the study of". ical: from latin '-icalis', an adjective-forming suffix meaning "of, relating to, or characterized by".