Cutter number

noun

Cut·​ter number
ˈkətə(r)-,
ˈkətə(r)-
: a combination of characters representing an author's surname, composed of the initial letter or the first letters followed by numbers (as M62 = Milne, M64 = Milton), chosen to make the numerical order of the symbols correspond to the alphabetical order of the names, and used to arrange books in the same class alphabetically by authors

Word History

Etymology

after Charles A. Cutter †1903 American librarian

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Cutter number

Cite this Entry

“Cutter number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Cutter%20number. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!