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

Question

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

Answer 1

I believe it comes from the French word for number, "nombre."

Answer 2

good question!!!!

Answer 3

the latin version does

Numero.

Most educated people 2 centuries ago spoke latin.

Answer 4

Actually, Number is a real word for Numbers like 1 2 3 and so, people started using short form such as No. in a hurry to save time and which became tradition later on

The real meaning of No is still no (not).

Or else it could be used from French language where it starts with no as many French words are being used in English for short form.

Answer 5

Its french---being used in Eng. Like et al, R.S.V.P etc

Answer 6

haha... i dono!

Answer 7

Gud question..! Maybe some fool started using it

Answer 8

'No' represents the Latin 'numero', the ablative case of 'numerus', which is the word for number. Thus 'No 6' means 'six by number' or 'six in numerical order'.

Also, it's worth noting that 'lb' to stand for pound comes from the latin libra pundum, where Libra (the zodiac sign) meaning The Scales.

Answer 9

I think it comes from Latin, "nUMERo"

Answer 10

I never thought about it. Good question. :)

Answer 11

These people when they did this were probably on mind altering drugs.

Answer 12

Now that's something to think about.

Answer 13

no stands for "number of"...not just "number"

Answer 14

From the middle english nombre. From the anglo-french, from latin numerus from the 14century.

Answer 15

Prob. Latin influences.