numbers

( n.)

   [scientific  computation]  Output  of  a  computation that may not be
   significant  results  but  at  least  indicate  that  the  program is
   running.  May  be  used  to  placate management, grant sponsors, etc.
   Making  numbers means running a program because output -- any output,
   not  necessarily meaningful output -- is needed as a demonstration of
   progress. See {pretty pictures}, {math-out}, {social science number}.

[glossary]
[Reference(s) to this entry by made by: {math-out}{pretty pictures}{social science number}]