noun

integer

IN-tuh-jer

Integer (noun) means a whole number, either positive, negative, or zero, with no fractional or decimal part. Example: “The set of integers includes -3, 0, and 47, but not 2.5.”

noun

A whole number, either positive, negative, or zero, with no fractional or decimal part.

"The set of integers includes -3, 0, and 47, but not 2.5."

"Round the result to the nearest integer before you store it."

computing In programming, a data type that stores whole numbers within a fixed range of values.

"The function expects an integer, so passing a string will throw an error."

"Storing the price as an integer number of pence avoids rounding problems."

How to Use Integer

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA number with nothing after the decimal point.

When to use it

Neutral and technical; standard in mathematics, computing and finance.

Memory tip

Zero is an integer. So are negative numbers. Anything with a decimal part or written as a fraction is not.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

integer vs natural number integer vs float integer vs whole number

Common pairings

positive integer negative integer nearest integer integer value consecutive integers

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The set of _____ includes -3, 0, and 47, but not 2.5.

Etymology

From Latin integer, meaning "whole, intact, untouched", from in- ("not") plus a root related to tangere ("to touch"). The same word gives English integrity.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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whole number

Antonyms

fraction

Related Words

percentage proportion fraction frail

Rhymes for integer

Seger jaeger Seeger Krueger

See all rhymes for integer →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an integer and a whole number?

In most school curricula, whole numbers are zero and the positive counting numbers, while integers also include the negatives. So -5 is an integer but not a whole number. In everyday and programming use the two terms are often treated as interchangeable.

Is 0 an integer?

Yes. Zero is an integer, and it is neither positive nor negative. It sits exactly in the middle of the number line.

Is an integer the same as a float?

No. In programming, an integer stores only whole numbers, while a float (floating-point number) stores numbers with a decimal part. Dividing two integers in many languages discards the remainder, which is a common source of bugs.

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